Rasterization
TLDR: Rasterization is a rendering process that converts 3D models into 2D images by projecting vertices onto a screen and filling polygons with color and texture. This technique is the backbone of real-time graphics in video games and interactive applications, as it is computationally efficient and well-suited for GPUs. Rasterization ensures smooth and fast rendering of complex scenes at high frame rates.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasterisation
The rasterization pipeline begins with projecting 3D geometry onto a 2D viewport, followed by the application of textures, colors, and lighting effects. Rasterization algorithms like Z-buffering handle depth calculations to ensure correct layering of objects in a scene. While rasterization lacks the physical accuracy of ray tracing, it can approximate realistic effects through techniques like bump mapping and screen-space reflections.
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/technologies/ray-tracing-vs-rasterization/
Modern game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity rely on rasterization for real-time rendering, often enhancing it with hybrid approaches that incorporate elements of ray tracing. The efficiency of rasterization makes it indispensable for interactive applications, where maintaining high frame rates is critical. Despite advances in ray tracing, rasterization remains a core technology, continually evolving to deliver better gaming performance and visual fidelity.