m-square-grid.c File Reference

Creating coordinate grids using evenly spaced lines. More...

#include "gfx/simplegfx.h"

Functions
int	main ()

Detailed Description

Creating coordinate grids using evenly spaced lines.

Author

Sukesh Ashok Kumar

This example demonstrates how to create a regular grid pattern, fundamental to graph paper, coordinate systems, and structured layouts. Grids help visualize relationships and organize space systematically.

Mathematical Concepts:

• Regular spacing: constant intervals between parallel lines
• Division: how many cells fit in the space (640/40 = 16 columns)
• Multiplication: spacing × n gives nth line position (40×3 = 120)
• Orthogonal lines: vertical and horizontal lines at right angles
• Coordinate system: grid creates reference framework
• Tessellation: repeating pattern that covers entire plane

In This Example:

• Spacing: 40 pixels between lines
• Vertical lines: at x = 0, 40, 80, 120, ..., 600
• Horizontal lines: at y = 0, 40, 80, 120, ..., 440
• Grid cells: 16 columns × 12 rows = 192 squares
• Each cell: 40×40 pixels

Programming Concepts:

• Nested loops for 2D iteration
• Loop increment by constant (x += spacing)
• Separating vertical and horizontal line drawing
• Efficient pattern generation
• Understanding loop step sizes

What you'll learn:

• How to create evenly spaced patterns
• Drawing complete vertical and horizontal lines
• The relationship between spacing and grid density
• Why we separate vertical and horizontal line loops
• Creating structured coordinate systems
• Loop increment shortcuts (x += 40)

Grid Properties:

• Vertical lines: constant x, varying y (parallel to y-axis)
• Horizontal lines: constant y, varying x (parallel to x-axis)
• Intersection points: form regular lattice
• Number of vertical lines: ⌈640/40⌉ = 16 lines
• Number of horizontal lines: ⌈480/40⌉ = 12 lines

Algorithm:

1. Draw all vertical lines first
   • For each x-position (0, 40, 80, ...)
   • Draw from top to bottom (y: 0 → 480)
2. Draw all horizontal lines
   • For each y-position (0, 40, 80, ...)
   • Draw from left to right (x: 0 → 640)

Applications:

• Graph paper for plotting functions
• Game boards (chess, checkers)
• Pixel art and sprite sheets
• Architectural floor plans
• Data visualization backgrounds

Experiment Ideas:

• Change spacing to 20: denser grid (more lines)
• Change spacing to 80: sparser grid (fewer lines)
• Add different colors for major/minor grid lines
• Create non-square grids with different horizontal/vertical spacing

Compile:

gcc m-square-grid.c gfx/simplegfx.c -o output/m-square-grid -lX11

Run:

./output/m-square-grid

Function Documentation

main()

int main

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