computergrafica

Computergrafica, or computer graphics, is the discipline that concerns generating, manipulating, and displaying visual content with computers. It encompasses 2D and 3D imagery, image synthesis, modeling, animation, visualization, and user interaction with digital graphics. In Italian usage, computergrafica denotes the same field and is often used in academic and industry contexts.

Initial work in computer graphics began in the 1960s with simple line drawings and rasterization. The 1970s and 1980s saw the development of 3D modeling, shading, and the rise of CGI in cinema. The 1990s introduced real-time graphics driven by graphics processing units (GPUs) and advances in global illumination. In the 2000s and beyond, techniques such as physically based rendering, real-time ray tracing, and shader programming pushed realism and performance further.

Key techniques include 2D and 3D rendering, shading, lighting, texture mapping, and animation. 3D modeling uses polygons, NURBS, and subdivision surfaces; animation covers keyframing and skeletal systems. Rendering pipelines may be rasterization-based for real-time applications or ray/path tracing for high-fidelity images. Shading languages and material models underpin modern physically based rendering.

Applications span film and visual effects, video games, architecture and product design, medical imaging, scientific visualization, and immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.

Related topics include CAD, computer-aided manufacturing, computer animation, and image processing.