lerplike

lerplike is a term used in computer graphics and game development to describe a gradual transition between two values, often used for animation or smooth movement. It is an abbreviation of "linear interpolation," which is a mathematical method for finding intermediate values between two known points. In practice, lerplike functions take three inputs: a starting value, an ending value, and a progress factor, typically ranging from 0 to 1. A progress factor of 0 returns the starting value, while a factor of 1 returns the ending value. Values in between result in a proportional blend of the two.

This technique is widely applied in various contexts. For instance, in game development, lerplike is commonly used to smoothly move characters or objects from one position to another, or to gradually change their color or opacity. It can also be used to animate camera movements, interpolate camera field of view, or create fading effects. The result of a lerplike operation is a value that moves in a straight line, in a mathematical sense, from the start to the end point based on the progress factor. This simplicity and predictability make it a fundamental tool for creating visually appealing and fluid animations without requiring complex easing curves. While the term "lerplike" itself is informal, the underlying concept of linear interpolation is a core principle in many graphics and animation systems.