Introduction
Programming is all about problem-solving, and sometimes the best way to improve is by challenging yourself. In my latest side project, I set out to write a 3D spinning cube entirely in C—without looking anything up. No tutorials, no external help—just raw problem-solving and deep diving into low-level programming.
This project, hosted on GitHub (itsferguson/spinning-cube), was an opportunity to practice my C skills, experiment with complex linear algebra, and implement convex hull algorithms in a self-contained, pure C environment.
The Motivation
I wanted to push myself to:
- Improve my C programming skills without relying on external references.
- Figure things out independently, mimicking real-world problem-solving scenarios.
- Work with mathematical concepts, like 3D transformations, matrix operations, and convex hull computation.
- Develop a simple graphics project purely with low-level code, no libraries.
This was less about the end result and more about the process of learning—debugging, optimizing, and understanding how things work under the hood.
What’s Inside the Repo?
This project is a small yet challenging exercise in computer graphics and computational geometry. Here’s what I implemented:
🔷 3D Rendering from Scratch
- A spinning cube rendered using fundamental 3D transformations.
- Manual matrix multiplication for rotating objects in 3D space.
- Projection from 3D to 2D without relying on graphics libraries.
🔢 Complex Linear Algebra
- Custom vector and matrix operations implemented without external math libraries.
- Understanding transformations, rotations, and perspective projection through manual calculations.
🔺 Convex Hull Algorithm
- Implemented to solve computational geometry problems.
- Used in rendering and mesh generation.
- Helps in understanding geometric algorithms and how they apply to 3D graphics.
Lessons Learned
- Writing code without looking things up is HARD. But it’s an amazing way to really internalize concepts.
- C forces you to think deeply about memory, efficiency, and structure. It’s easy to take higher-level abstractions for granted.
- Linear algebra is everywhere in computer graphics. Understanding rotations, transformations, and projections gave me a deeper appreciation for how graphics engines work.
- Debugging without easy references builds real problem-solving skills. I had to rely purely on logic, debugging tools, and patience.
Check Out the Code!
If you’re interested in low-level graphics programming or just want to see how a spinning cube works in pure C, check out the GitHub repo: