3D math primer for graphics and game development
by Fletcher Dunn · first published 2002
90% recommend10% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Accessible, well-written introduction to the linear algebra and trigonometry behind 3D graphics, with a pragmatic game-oriented focus; suggested for programmers new to graphics math, including those from other fields.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
"This book presents the essential math needed to describe, simulate, and render a 3D world. It provides an introduction to mathematics for game designers, including fundamentals of coordinate spaces, vectors, and matrices, orientation in three dimensions, introduction to calculus and dynamics, graphics, and parametric curves"--
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Allow me to recommend this book as well: 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development https://www.amazon.com/Primer-Graphics-Development-Wordware-... It helped me tremendously when I was into game development back in college. The math was always the biggest hangup for me. I'm in healthcare…
on “Show HN: 3D Game Programming using bitblting in Windows” ↗3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development by F.Dunn and I.Parberry - https://thefinancialengineer.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/...
on “Ask HN: Tutorials for game engine development?” ↗This is meant to be as generic as the question sounds. I am venturing into graphics programming, coming from frontend engineering. I've been wading through linear algebra via 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development [1], and I quite enjoy it. Does anyone have a semi-comprehensive list of math concepts I should learn for low-level graphics? I'm coming from a really sparse math background, as I only took up to Calc…
on “Ask HN: What math do I need to learn for graphics programming?” ↗If you're interested in 3D programming, you want to learn linear algebra. An excellent book that can teach you the basics (from trigonometry to advanced linear algebra) is "3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development".
on “Ask HN: How or where to begin learning mathematics from first principles?” ↗Of all the bundle books, I only own a physical copy of "3D math primer for graphics and game development". Having no prior experience on computer graphics before, I love the book: it is well-written, concise and explains greatly lots of computer graphics stuff. There are more math-heavy chapters so it's…
on “Humble Book Bundle: Computer Graphics by CRC Press” ↗…If anyone needs to start even earlier than this, I've actually found "3D Math Basics for Graphics and Game Development" to be a good true intro for linear algebra-related stuff. Did you mean to write "3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development" [1]? If you did, I agree 100%. I got a lot out of this book and was able to put it to good use for several projects. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Math-Primer-Graphics-Game-Development...
on “Math Basics for Computer Science and Machine Learning [pdf]” ↗If you like the idea, I highly recommend taking a look at "3d math primer for graphics and game development" which is a pretty easy read as well.
on “Computer Graphics from Scratch” ↗…from a few areas of interest. It's not too long (~200 pages), so might be worth checking out before diving into one of the more comprehensive textbooks. If you're interested in 3D programming, I found "3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development" to be the most accessible for the math fundamentals. I just discovered it's now available freely online as well: https://gamemath.com/.
on “Ask HN: I'm looking for a good book on the fundamentals of CS” ↗I don't keep too many reference books forever, but "3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development" and Eric Lengyel's book are on my shelf. The are very accessible, IMO aimed at the "kid who was good at high school math, wanted to make video games".
on “Money was never the end goal – mrdoob – threejs creator” ↗…spinning around?" There are some great game dev postmortems where you learn about the beautiful horrors going on behind the scenes to make a vision a reality. Game dev is forgiving like that. From the book 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development: "If it looks right, it is right".
on “Ask HN: Not smart enough to a programmer, where to take my life from here?” ↗