MiniRT (Raytracing Renderer in C)

Overview

miniRT is a raytracing renderer that I developed in C, aimed at creating immersive 3D scenes through the implementation of the raytracing algorithm. This project was not only a technical challenge but also a significant learning experience in the world of computer graphics.

Key Learnings and Skills Developed

1. Understanding of Raytracing

I delved deep into the principles of raytracing, learning how rays interact with various surfaces to produce realistic images. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to pursue graphics programming or game development.

2. Geometric Object Manipulation

By implementing support for various geometric shapes (spheres, planes, cubes, triangles, and cylinders), I gained hands-on experience in managing and manipulating complex data structures, enhancing my skills in geometry and spatial reasoning.

3. Texturing and Material Simulation

Implementing textures such as Metal, Glass, and Matte allowed me to explore material properties and how they influence the rendering process. I learned about texture mapping and its role in enhancing the visual fidelity of 3D models.

4. Advanced Rendering Techniques

The project introduced me to sophisticated techniques like anti-aliasing, depth of field, and soft shadows. These concepts improved my understanding of how to create visually appealing images while managing computational efficiency.

5. Performance Optimization

Utilizing a Bounding Volume Hierarchy (BVH) tree for optimized rendering taught me valuable lessons in algorithm efficiency and performance tuning, skills that are essential in real-time rendering scenarios.

Multi-threading was another optimization technique I explored to leverage the power of modern CPUs for faster rendering times. This experience deepened my understanding of parallel programming and resource management.

Conclusion

Overall, miniRT was a transformative project that expanded my programming skills and deepened my understanding of graphics rendering. It set the stage for my future endeavors in game development and reinforced my passion for creating visually compelling applications.

Feel free to explore the project on GitHub to see the code and further details!