Physics Engine
A standalone physics library is a software component that simulates physical interactions such as gravity, collisions, and rigid body dynamics in applications, primarily used in video games, simulations, and visual effects. It provides APIs for developers to integrate realistic physics without building the complex mathematical models from scratch. These libraries handle tasks like collision detection, force application, and object motion based on physical laws.
Developers should learn and use standalone physics libraries when creating applications requiring realistic physical behavior, such as video games (e.g., for character movement or object interactions), engineering simulations (e.g., for structural analysis), or virtual reality experiences. They save time and ensure accuracy by leveraging optimized, tested code for physics calculations, which is crucial for performance in real-time applications like gaming or interactive simulations.