Raster Animation
Raster animation is a technique for creating motion in digital graphics by displaying a sequence of raster images (bitmaps) over time, where each frame is composed of a grid of pixels with defined colors. It is fundamental to traditional 2D animation, video games, and digital video, relying on frame-by-frame changes to simulate movement. This contrasts with vector animation, which uses mathematical equations to define shapes and motion.
Developers should learn raster animation for creating 2D games, UI animations, or video editing tools, as it provides precise control over pixel-level details and is widely supported in formats like GIF, PNG sequences, and video codecs. It is essential when working with pixel art, sprite-based graphics, or any application requiring frame-by-frame manipulation, such as in game engines like Unity or Adobe Animate for web and mobile content.