damonpalovaara/projectnightowl

My final project for my undergraduate degree. Will migrate into my cross-platform game engine

Abstract

I want to create a math visualization tool that can be used to assist in teaching abstract math concepts. At the very least I want to model various groups including but not limited to symmetries of 3D objects, finite abelian groups with their associated lattices, as well as symmetries of permutation groups.

I want to show off the power of using a modern compiled language to create web apps that can also target native devices. This is cutting edge technology that I want to convince my panel of judges to consider teaching in future semesters.

What Will I Learn

I will learn new ways to visualize mathematical concepts. I will learn how to efficiently render using a lower level graphics API. I will learn how to effectively generate WASM (web-assembly) to optimize applications for the web. I will learn how to make a program cross platform.

Languages Used

• The project will be mostly written in Rust
• Python for glueing the server and client builds together
• WGSL is the shader language I will be using (WebGPU's shader language)
• Some Javascript for wasm glue

Libraries Used

• WebGPU
  • Cross platform graphics api
  • Back-end is variable (Web, Vulkan, DX12, Metal, etc)
  • Can target web or native platforms
• Rocket.rs
  • Very flexible library for implementing web servers in Rust
  • I highly recommend Dr. Kowalczyk to look into this (https://rocket.rs/)
• wasm-pack
  • QoL tool used that takes care of compiling to wasm and generating javascript glue
• wasm bind-gen
  • Library for generating wasm bindings
  • Takes care of name mangling so methods can be used by javascript
• Etc
  • Will need some sort of math library
  • Library for printing to browser console
  • Various QoL libraries