This project introduces lin-alg, a Rust library providing fundamental linear algebra structures and operations with a focus on performance. It offers core types like vectors and quaternions (with 2D, 3D, and 4D variants), alongside common operations such as addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot and cross products, normalization, and quaternion-specific functionalities like rotations and spherical linear interpolation (slerp). The library aims to be simple, efficient, and dependency-free, suitable for graphics, game development, and other domains requiring linear algebra computations.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Rust Vector and Quaternion Lib" introduces a new linear algebra library written in the Rust programming language, specifically designed for vector and quaternion mathematics. This library, named lin-alg and hosted on GitHub under the username David-OConnor, aims to provide efficient and reliable implementations of common linear algebra operations relevant to computer graphics, game development, and other fields that utilize 3D mathematics. The core functionalities include the representation of 3D vectors and quaternions as data structures, along with a suite of functions for manipulating them. These operations likely encompass vector addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, dot and cross products, quaternion multiplication, conjugation, normalization, and potentially more advanced operations like spherical linear interpolation (slerp). The library is presented as a potentially useful tool for developers working with 3D transformations and rotations in Rust, offering a dedicated and optimized solution compared to more general-purpose linear algebra libraries. The author's motivation appears to be centered around providing a concise and focused resource for these specific mathematical primitives.
Summary of Comments ( 8 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43284811
Hacker News users generally praised the Rust vector and quaternion library for its clear documentation, beginner-friendly approach, and focus on 2D and 3D graphics. Some questioned the practical application of quaternions in 2D, while others appreciated the inclusion for completeness and potential future use. The discussion touched on SIMD support (or lack thereof), with some users highlighting its importance for performance in graphical applications. There were also suggestions for additional features like dual quaternions and geometric algebra support, reflecting a desire for expanded functionality. Some compared the library favorably to existing solutions like glam and nalgebra, praising its simplicity and ease of understanding, particularly for learning purposes.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: Rust Vector and Quaternion Lib" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43284811) has a modest number of comments, focusing primarily on practical aspects and alternatives rather than deep dives into the library's design.
One commenter points out the existence of
nalgebra, a popular linear algebra library in Rust, and questions the rationale behind creating a new library instead of contributing to existing ones. They acknowledge the educational value of such projects but emphasize the benefits of a shared, well-maintained library for the broader community. This comment sparks a brief discussion about the potential reasons for starting a new library, including personal learning experiences, specific needs not met by existing libraries, and the inherent desire to build things from scratch.Another comment highlights the use of
f32(32-bit floating-point numbers) and suggests consideringf64(64-bit floating-point numbers) for improved precision in certain applications, particularly those involving physics simulations. This leads to a short exchange about the trade-offs between performance and precision, with the original poster (OP) acknowledging the suggestion and explaining their choice off32as sufficient for their immediate needs.A third comment mentions the inclusion of quaternions, asking about the intended use cases. The OP responds, indicating their interest in 3D graphics and game development, where quaternions are commonly used for rotations.
Further comments briefly touch on related topics such as the learning resources used by the OP, the possibility of SIMD optimizations, and comparisons to other linear algebra libraries in different languages. There is a general consensus that while the project might not be groundbreaking in terms of features or performance, it serves as a valuable learning experience and a potential starting point for a more comprehensive library.
Overall, the comments are constructive and offer practical suggestions, focusing on the context of the library within the existing Rust ecosystem and its potential applications. They don't delve deeply into the specific implementation details or offer extensive code reviews but provide useful feedback from the perspective of experienced Rust developers.