processing / processing/processing4

Double precision support for all fundamental geometry classes (PShape, PVector ...)

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#893 2 comments 1 reaction 0 assignees View on GitHub

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enhancement help wanted
Dominant language
Java
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494
Forks
183
Avg merge
4h 39m
Merged PRs (30d)
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Description

Relevant sub-area for this feature?

Core/Environment/Rendering

Feature description

When using PShape and PVector calculations alongside with native Path2D.Double objects (using various conversions) there are obvious, randomly appeared but systematic rendering artifacts - rounding errors (same result when using same parameter values) upon all kinds of calculations, transformations etc. With all that CPU processing power around, I guess there is no practical reason of not adding Double coordinate support for all classes without braking compatibility with existing projects.

Benefits

Use PShape and PVector classes alongside with other classes that support natively double precision coordinates like Path2D without precision errors. Future proof Processing projects.

Possible challenges

I do not have a clue what might be the impact in codebase. I guess there should be a compatibility code care for all existing projects and default will be Float.

Additional context

An Article about the precision artifacts: https://blog.generativedarkroom.com/why-i-switched-from-processing-to-openrndr-b50c931d21ae

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Research direction

Start by reviewing the PShape and PVector classes and comparing their coordinate and calculation paths with native Path2D.Double objects. Determine the scope of double-precision support across the fundamental geometry classes and how existing float-based projects would remain compatible; done requires an agreed design and consistent precision behavior without the reported rendering artifacts.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
java
Domain
computer-graphics
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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