OpenGL Game Development By Example

Entering the matrix

Now for the topic that strikes fear into the heart of all new game programmers: matrices. Matrices are a mathematical device (part of linear algebra) that makes it easier to work with large sets of related numbers.

In its simplest form, a matrix is a table of numbers. Let's say that I wanted to represent a coordinate in space. I could write its value down as follows:

Vectors

A single row or single column of a matrix is called a vector. Vectors are important because they can be used to both position things and move things.

The typical matrix used in games contains four values: x, y, z, and w. These x, y, and z components typically ...