Raytracer in C++

This project is a simple raytracer implemented in C++ based on the "Understandable RayTracing in 256 lines of bare C++" tutorial by Dmitry V. Sokolov.

Features

• Renders spheres and a plane (chessboard)
• Implements Phong reflection model
• Supports diffuse and specular lighting
• Calculates shadows
• Handles reflections and refractions
• Uses an environment map for background

Implementation Steps

1. Image writing to disk
2. Basic ray tracing for a single sphere
3. Multiple sphere rendering
4. Lighting implementation
5. Specular lighting
6. Shadow calculation
7. Reflections
8. Refractions
9. Plane (chessboard) rendering
10. Environment map integration

Usage

To compile and run the project:

g++ -std=c++11 simpleraytracing.cpp -o simpleraytracing
./simpleraytracing

The program will generate an output image file named out.jpg.

Dependencies

This project uses the stb library for image handling, particularly for the environment map feature.

Configuration

You can modify the following parameters in the simpleraytracing.cpp file:

• Image dimensions (width and height)
• Field of view (fov)
• Maximum recursion depth for reflections and refractions
• Scene objects (spheres and plane)
• Light sources

Acknowledgments

This project is based on the tutorial by Dmitry V. Sokolov. Special thanks to him for providing an understandable approach to raytracing.

License

This project is open source and available under the MIT License.