[Tutor] unclear topic

[Prasad, Ramit]

Matthew Ngaha wrote:
> hey guys, this is not really a Python question. When ever im doing a
> tutorial, it could be pygame or some gui application, i usually find
> everything straight forward until the demonstration involves drawing.
> Then maths is applied and i can't follow along as easily. In the end
> by commenting out certain lines of code, i understand what each line
> is doing but the fact is im still faced with being very weak at
> drawing and working out the logic behind it. I also can't imagine if
> im designing a program and need to do drawings of my own how i would
> work out the calculations and be able to think for myself. The help im
> asking for is what do i need to study to be able to design my own
> programs that involve drawing? do i need to go off and learn maths? if
> so which type? some sort of geometry? or do i start studying some sort
> of physics? or does the answer lie within some framework/library
> python tutorial?
> 
> on amazon ive seen:
> 
> maths books
> physics book
> 2d engine physics books(box2d etc)
> game physics books -  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Physics-/dp/147103397X/
> 
> 
> my other problem is i don't want to over do it. do i need to buy a
> game physics book, if all i want to do is understand how to implement
> my own calculations for complex objects etc? then again maybe that's
> not so bad. If you know your way around this stuff? what did you learn
> that gave you these skills?

You should at least have enough math knowledge to understand Cartesian 
coordinates systems. Once you think of things in terms of objects 
based on their the coordinate location (x, y, z) it becomes easier 
to place objects where you want them and move them. Some trigonometry/
algebra might also be helpful.

I (personally) would not buy a game physics book unless you are 
looking to create a 3D game or a 2D game with an actual physics engine 
(e.g. World of Goo). Of course, this is based on my personal 
experience and education which may vastly vary from your own. Or, 
as they say "on them internets," YMMV. 


~Ramit


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