Verlet Integration with SFML (C++)

A real-time 2D physics simulation using Verlet integration, rendered with SFML, written in C++.

This project demonstrates basic particle physics, constraints, and numerical integration techniques commonly used in game engines and physics simulations.

Overview

• Implements Verlet integration for particle motion
• Uses SFML for windowing, rendering, and input
• Built with CMake and Ninja
• Dependencies managed using vcpkg
• Runs in real time with interactive visualization

Technologies Used

• C++
• SFML
• CMake
• Ninja
• vcpkg
• MSVC (Visual Studio Build Tools)

Build Instructions (Windows)

Prerequisites

Make sure you have installed:

• Visual Studio Build Tools

  • MSVC (x64/x86)
  • Windows SDK
  • CMake tools

• CMake (3.27+ recommended)

• Ninja

• vcpkg

• SFML (installed via vcpkg)

Install Dependencies with vcpkg

vcpkg install sfml

Configure the Build

From the project root:

mkdir build
cd build

Run CMake with Ninja and vcpkg:

cmake -G Ninja ^
  -DCMAKE_TOOLCHAIN_FILE=C:/Users/Owner/vcpkg/scripts/buildsystems/vcpkg.cmake ^
  ..

Replace the vcpkg path if yours is installed elsewhere.

Build the Project

cmake --build .

Run the Program

.\bin\Verlet.exe

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What I Learned

• Setting up CMake + Ninja on Windows
• Managing third-party C++ libraries using vcpkg
• Debugging compiler detection and antivirus interference
• Understanding Verlet integration for physics simulation
• Building and running a non-trivial C++ graphics application

Future Improvements

• Add collision detection
• Support multiple constraint types
• Refactor physics engine into reusable modules
• Add ImGui debug controls
• Cross-platform build support (Linux/macOS)

Author

Arkesh Jeeva-Rupan: Computer Science (Co-op) – University of Guelph