Custom Physics Engine
A custom physics engine is a software library or framework developed in-house to simulate physical systems, such as rigid body dynamics, collision detection, and particle effects, tailored for specific applications like video games, simulations, or robotics. It provides precise control over performance, accuracy, and features, often built using languages like C++ or Rust for efficiency. Unlike off-the-shelf engines, it allows developers to optimize for unique requirements, such as real-time constraints or specialized physics models.
Developers should learn or use a custom physics engine when building applications with demanding performance needs, unique physics behaviors, or when existing engines like Unity Physics or Havok are too generic, costly, or restrictive. It's essential for game development studios aiming for high-fidelity simulations, robotics software requiring custom collision handling, or research projects where physics accuracy is critical. This skill demonstrates deep expertise in mathematics, optimization, and low-level programming, making it valuable for roles in game engines, simulation tools, or specialized software development.