Continuous Collision Detection
Continuous Collision Detection (CCD) is a computational technique used in physics simulations and computer graphics to detect collisions between moving objects across continuous time intervals, rather than at discrete time steps. It prevents objects from 'tunneling' through each other at high speeds by predicting and resolving collisions along their entire motion paths. This is essential for accurate and stable simulations in applications like video games, robotics, and engineering analysis.
Developers should learn and use CCD when building real-time physics engines, game development, or simulation software where objects move at high velocities, as it ensures collision accuracy and prevents visual glitches like objects passing through walls. It is particularly critical in fast-paced games, virtual reality environments, and safety-critical simulations such as automotive crash testing or robotic motion planning, where discrete methods fail to capture high-speed interactions.