Simple C++ CPU Rasterizer & Simulation Engine

A performance-oriented software renderer built from the ground up in modern C++. This project deliberately avoids high-level graphics APIs (like OpenGL or Vulcan) to achieve a deep understanding of the underlying mathematics and hardware-level interaction.

Current Focus: Low-Level Graphics Pipeline

The project is under active development. The current focus lies on the mathematical foundation and direct display interfacing under Linux.

Core Features (Status: Step 1 Completed)

• Custom Linear Algebra Library: Self-implemented Vec3 and Mat4 classes, including mathematical operations such as dot product, cross product, normalization, and matrix transformations.
• Native X11 Integration: Direct communication with the X-Server via Xlib.h. Mapping a custom framebuffer to an XImage for real-time visualization.
• Memory Management: Manual management of the framebuffer as a contiguous memory block (std::vector<Color>).

Step 1: Foundations & Output (Complete)

• Goal: Establish mathematical primitives and initial pixel output.
• Result: Successful rendering of a wireframe cube via the X11 interface.

Step 2: Transformation Pipeline (Current Work in Progress)

• Challenge: Projecting 3D poits onto a 2D screen coordinate system.
• Solution: Implementing Model-View-Projection (MVP) matrices and a LookAt function for camera control.

Step 3: Rasterization & Shading (TODO)

• Problem: Displaying filled surfaces instead of wireframes.
• Solution: Implementing Barycentric Coordinates to determine fragment inclusion within primitives.

Step 4: Depth Handling (TODO)

• Problem: Handling "Z-fighting" and incorrect object overlapping.
• Solution: Implementing a Depth Buffer (Z-buffer) for correct geometry occlusion.

🛠 Tech Stack

• Language: Modern C++
• OS Interface: X11 (Linux Native)
• Build System: CMake
• Mathematics: Custom-built (no external libraries like GLM for now)

Build & Run

Prerequisite: libx11-dev must be installed on your system.

mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
./rasterizer