Graphics Programming

This class was my first introduction to graphics programming, where I learned about the different rendering technics and how a computer uses vertices to form lines and shapes. In the projects for this class we used a slightly modified version of WebGL, which we used for all model generation, transformation and animations that affected them.

This class got me interested in graphics programming and the technical sides of programming visuals for games. However, it also showed me how much of a blessing modelling programs like Blender are. Its not fun to program shapes by code, even less when you also need to do the UV unwrap.

The Models

The models were done by programming one shape at a time, forming shapes by the use of different algorithms. For example, cylinders were done in loops, placing the vertex automatically around a center point and extruding by a height.

The Animations

The train animations were done by using anchor points in the tracks, then interpolating the train position along the track sections.

The train then stops at the various train stations, accelerating after departure with smooth movement.