Many programmers frequently have limited backgrounds in the mathematics and physics needed for game development or other complex applications. Sooner or later, all programmers run into coding issues that will require an understanding of mathematics or physics concepts like collision detection, 3D vectors, transformations, game theory, or basic calculus. This book provides a simple but thorough grounding in the mathematics and physics topics that programmers need to write these algorithms and programs, using a non-language-specific approach. Applications and examples from game programming are included throughout, and exercise sets follow each chapter for additional practice of the techniques. The CD-ROM provides simulations of the mathematical and physical principles discussed in the book along with the source code.
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About the Author
Danny Kodicek is a graduate of Cambridge University. He works with Sunflower Learning in the UK, developing science simulations and tools for schools - his software has been translated into over fifteen languages and is sold worldwide. As a freelancer his previous clients include the BBC and the Royal Air Force, and he was co-creator of the award-winning TimeHunt Web site.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Ryan J.
Format:Paperback
I took physics, linear algebra, and calculus when I was in college.
Unfortunately, upon getting my IT job developing business applications, I did not have much use for them and when I became interested in game development, I realized that I had forgotten a great deal of information that I learned while I was in school.
I did have my linear algebra and calculus text book, but I misplaced (or sold) my physics book. I first looked online for quick tutorials, but a lot of tutorials left a lot to be desired.
This book briefly reviews the necessary basics which quickly returned to me and later applies them 2d and 3d scenarios.
I especially like the language agnostic approach the author has taken with the pseudocode in the book. The introduction states that no knowledge is assumed from the reader as each following chapter builds on a previous one. While, so far that statement has held true, I do wonder if a reader with absolutely no knowledge linear algebra, trig, calculus, and physics will fully grasp what the author is saying. Nevertheless, I do not see that as a negative since the book would be prohibitively huge it were anymore detailed.
The glossary is a nice inclusion and so far has been thorough enough to find everything what I was looking for.
I am certainly glad that I lost my physics book. Otherwise, I would not have this fine book.
Unfortunately, upon getting my IT job developing business applications, I did not have much use for them and when I became interested in game development, I realized that I had forgotten a great deal of information that I learned while I was in school.
I did have my linear algebra and calculus text book, but I misplaced (or sold) my physics book. I first looked online for quick tutorials, but a lot of tutorials left a lot to be desired.
This book briefly reviews the necessary basics which quickly returned to me and later applies them 2d and 3d scenarios.
I especially like the language agnostic approach the author has taken with the pseudocode in the book. The introduction states that no knowledge is assumed from the reader as each following chapter builds on a previous one. While, so far that statement has held true, I do wonder if a reader with absolutely no knowledge linear algebra, trig, calculus, and physics will fully grasp what the author is saying. Nevertheless, I do not see that as a negative since the book would be prohibitively huge it were anymore detailed.
The glossary is a nice inclusion and so far has been thorough enough to find everything what I was looking for.
I am certainly glad that I lost my physics book. Otherwise, I would not have this fine book.
By Slate
Format:Paperback
it does what it says on the can! basically you can't argue with the book, you'll enjoy reading it, it could be improved in some places but I got through the full book and it was refreshing, brushing up on some things I've not done in a while :)
By gelson
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is not a book to read in a weekend, is a technical literature, but succeeds in capturing the need for advanced programdores inicantes and even games.
I recommend traveling the fabulous underworld of these sciences are physics and mathematics.
I recommend traveling the fabulous underworld of these sciences are physics and mathematics.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not Accessible but Comprehensive
According to the introduction of this book it was designed because "increasingly people are coming into programming from backgrounds other than math. Read more
Published on August 12, 2010 by Julio Terra
2.0 out of 5 stars
Little explination
I picked this book after reading lots of reviews. I wanted a book that covered game physics and could help me reconnect to the math I was using on the job. Read more
Published on November 17, 2009 by David Tucker
3.0 out of 5 stars
Maths made easy
The book covers a lot of topics, all very well explained. The only bad thing is the pseudocode, is very complicated to understand (the author gave strange names to the variables,... Read more
Published on September 3, 2009 by Jesus R. Bosch Ayguade
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful resource
I originally purchased this book as reference material for building a 3D physics engine. And while this book certainly had material relevant for doing so, I probably would have... Read more
Published on July 13, 2008 by John L. Beck
3.0 out of 5 stars
so so
The the bigger mathematics coverage is on the beginning chapters; in the last ones its very shallow, there is little explanations on the programmings details.
Published on June 15, 2008 by Antonio
4.0 out of 5 stars
superb coverage
I have almost all the books on game math and physics.
and besides andre la mothe's book this book comes across as a really friendly approach to learning the math. Read more
and besides andre la mothe's book this book comes across as a really friendly approach to learning the math. Read more
Published on February 21, 2006 by b pat
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Resource
A friend pointed me to this book and I couldn't be more pleased. This is a great overall look at basic math concepts used in games. Read more
Published on February 2, 2006 by Allen Partridge
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