C++: Ray Tracing vs Ray Casting

What is the difference between ray tracing and ray casting in C++?

Ray casting is a simpler technique that determines visibility by casting rays from the eye to the scene, while ray tracing simulates light behavior more accurately by tracing rays as they interact with objects, producing more realistic images.

Which one is more computationally expensive?

Ray tracing is generally more computationally expensive than ray casting due to its complex calculations for light interactions, reflections, and shadows.

Can you give me an example of when to use ray tracing?

Ray tracing is ideal for applications requiring high-quality visuals, such as in film production or architectural visualization, where realistic lighting and shadows are crucial.

Are there any libraries in C++ for ray tracing?

Yes, there are several libraries for ray tracing in C++, such as PBRT (Physically Based Rendering Toolkit) and Raylib, which provide tools for implementing ray tracing algorithms.