Pelikerta

Pelikerta is a Finnish term that translates to "game layer" or "play layer" and is used in the context of computer graphics and game development. It refers to a specific conceptual division of game logic and rendering. In essence, a pelikerta represents a single discrete step or frame of a game's execution. During each pelikerta, the game engine processes input, updates the game state, and renders the scene to the screen.

The concept is particularly relevant in older or simpler game architectures where a clear separation between game updates and rendering was maintained. A pelikerta typically involves reading player input, applying game rules and physics to update object positions and states, and then drawing the visual representation of the game world. This cycle repeats continuously, creating the illusion of smooth motion and interaction.

Modern game engines often abstract this concept further, with more complex update loops that might involve multiple stages or asynchronous operations. However, the underlying principle of processing and rendering in discrete steps remains fundamental to how interactive graphics and games function. Understanding the pelikerta can help developers reason about game performance, timing, and the relationship between game logic and visual output. It's a foundational idea for understanding the flow of data and operations within a game.