Chapter 3: Implementing Matrices

In the context of game animation, a matrix represents an affine transformation. It linearly maps points from one space to another. A mesh is represented by vertices, which are just points in space. These vertices are moved by multiplying them by a matrix.

In this chapter, you will learn matrix math and how to implement matrices in code. By the end of this chapter, you will have built a robust matrix library that can be used in any project. Matrices are important; they play a big role in the graphics pipeline. It's hard to render anything without using matrices.

You will only need to implement a square, 4 x 4 matrix. By the end of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

• Understand what a matrix is
• Understand column-major matrix storage
• Multiply matrices together
• Invert a matrix
• Transform points and vectors by using a matrix
• Understand how to create matrices to view a three-dimensional world

  Important information

  In this chapter, you will implement a 4 x 4 matrix. The matrix implementation will rely on code to demonstrate concepts, rather than through the format of math definitions. If you're interested in the formal math behind matrices, check out https://gabormakesgames.com/matrices.html.