Lesson 1: Writing a Simple Raytracer

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  1. How Does It Work?

  To begin this lesson, we will explain how a three-dimensional scene is made into a viewable two-dimensional image.

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  2. Raytracing Algorithm in a Nutshell

  This chapter will explain how the raytracing algorithm works and why it is efficient for simulating how light and objects interact in the real world.

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  3. Implementing the Raytracing Algorithm

  Going from theory to practice, we will see how the raytracing algorithm can be adapted to a computer program.

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  4. Adding Reflection and Refraction

  By extending the concept of backward tracing, we can easily add photorealistic effects such as reflection and refraction.

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  5. Source Code

  We will finish this lesson with an example of a very simple C++ implementation of the ray tracing algorithm.

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