Podcast.init

PyRay: Pure Python 3D Rendering with Rohit Pandey – Episode 147

Feb 5 '18

Summary

Using a rendering library can be a difficult task due to dependency issues and complicated APIs. Rohit Pandey wrote PyRay to address these issues in a pure Python library. In this episode he explains how he uses it to gain a more thorough understanding of mathematical models, how it compares to other options, and how you can use it for creating your own videos and GIFs.

Preface

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Your host as usual is Tobias Macey and today I’m interviewing Rohit Pandey about PyRay, a 3d rendering library written completely in python

Interview

Introductions
How did you get introduced to Python?
Can you start by explaining what PyRay is and what motivated you to create it?
[rohit] PyRay is an open source library written completely in Python that let’s you render three and higher dimensional objects and scenes. Development on it has been ongoing and new features have so far come about from videos for my Youtube channel.
What does the internal architecture of PyRay look like and how has that design evolved since you first started working on it?
What capabilities are unlocked by having a pure Python rendering library which would otherwise be impractical or impossible for Python developers to do with existing options?
[rohit] Having a pure Python library makes it accessible with minimal fixed cost to Python users. The tradeoff is you lose on speed, but for many applications that isn’t an issue. I haven’t seen a library coded completely in Python that let’s you manipulate 3d and higher dimensional objects. The core usecase right now is Mathematical artwork. Google geometric gifs and you’ll see some fascinating, mesmerizing results. But those are created for the most part using tools that are not Python. Which is a pity since Python has a very extensive library of Mathematical functions.
What have been some of the most challenging aspects of building and maintaining PyRay?
[rohit] 3d objects – getting mesh plots. I have to develop routines from scratch for almost everything – shading objects, etc. Animated routines for characters.
What are some of the most interesting or unexpected uses of PyRay that you are aware of?
[rohit] Physical simulations. Ex: Testing if a solid is a fair die, getting lower bounds for space packing efficiencies of solids. Creating interactive demos where a user can draw to provide input.
For someone who wanted to contribute to PyRay are there any particular skills or experience that would be most helpful?
Basic linear algebra and python
What are some of the features or improvements that you have planned for the future of PyRay?