Radiosity
Radiosity is a global illumination algorithm used in computer graphics to simulate the diffuse interreflection of light between surfaces in a 3D scene. It calculates the steady-state distribution of light energy by solving a system of equations based on the geometry and material properties of surfaces, producing realistic soft shadows and color bleeding effects. Unlike ray tracing, which models specular reflections, radiosity focuses on diffuse light transfer, making it particularly effective for interior scenes with indirect lighting.
Developers should learn radiosity when creating photorealistic rendering systems for architectural visualization, virtual reality, or film production, as it accurately models how light bounces between surfaces to create natural-looking environments. It is especially useful for scenes with predominantly diffuse materials, such as rooms with matte walls and furniture, where indirect lighting plays a crucial role in realism. However, due to its computational intensity, it is often combined with other techniques like ray tracing in modern rendering pipelines.