Programming Fractals: How-To Guide

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around programming fractals, with participants exploring the basics of fractal generation, programming concepts, and the challenges faced by beginners in this area. The scope includes theoretical understanding, practical programming advice, and personal experiences related to learning programming.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on how to program fractals, expressing a desire to get ahead in preparation for future studies.
  • Another participant asks about the understanding of initiators and generators in fractals, indicating these are foundational concepts.
  • A participant suggests starting with simpler programming tasks, such as displaying Fibonacci numbers, before tackling fractals.
  • There is a suggestion to use existing software, like winfract, to familiarize oneself with fractals and their properties.
  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for the Fibonacci sequence and its occurrence in nature, highlighting a personal interest in mathematical concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that starting with simpler programming tasks may be beneficial for beginners. However, there is no consensus on the specific approach to learning fractals or the best starting point for programming.

Contextual Notes

Participants have varying levels of programming experience, with some being complete beginners. There are unresolved questions about the definitions and roles of specific fractal components, as well as the complexity of programming graphics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in programming, fractals, or mathematical concepts, particularly those who are beginners or looking to expand their knowledge in these areas.

Doctoress SD
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
Can someone tell me how to do this?
 
Technology news on Phys.org
Tell us what you know so far. Do you know what an initiator and a generator are, in the context of fractals?
 
berkeman said:
Tell us what you know so far. Do you know what an initiator and a generator are, in the context of fractals?

I only know what a compiler is and don't know how to work it. I am completely new to this but want to get ahead so that when we study this next year I will not fall behind too far.

I am guessing they are as they sound.


SD
 
It won't hurt if you will be a little bit more specific. Do you want to write a program that will draw a fractal? Any fractal, or do you have something selected already?
 
Perhaps a fractal that is already programmed and the software used so that I can read it and see where it comes from. A fractal that when you zoom in on it, it continues going in and in forever. Any fractal. I would like to know how to write a program that will zoom in on a fractal wherever you click it and it will zoom as long as you click it.
I have never programmed before and this is completely new to me.
 
The math and the program code to generate a fractal are both simple.
The graphics part eats your lunch. Why don't you download winfract and play with it?
It's still free.
Then you'll know at least the names of the things you're talking about. Plus, it is a lot of fun to mess with.

winfract link is at the bottom of this page http://www.dwponline.com/fractals/

Here is a simple mandelbrot set generator that uses glut (graphics), if you want to see what the code looks like:
http://www.cs.unm.edu/~angel/BOOK/INTERACTIVE_COMPUTER_GRAPHICS/FIRST_EDITION/programs/mandelbrot.c
 
Doctoress SD said:
I have never programmed before and this is completely new to me.

So you are probably aiming too high. Start with something simpler. Write program that'll display Fibonacci numbers or something. Displaying graphic and getting input from mouse will require already some fluency in programming.
 
Ok, how do I do that? The Fibonacci sequence is SOOOOOOOO cool. I just had to say that. Nature is amazing, like wow.
 

Similar threads

How to Output an Image from a Fractal Program in Emacs?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Where Can I Find a Good Fractals Programming Tutorial?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Undergrad MOND from galaxies that are fractal
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Python Question about learning programming
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
8K
Undergrad Expressing any given point on plane with one unique number
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Degrees of Freedom in Lagrangian Mechanics for a Fractal Path
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Who is responsible for the software when AI takes over programming?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
Graduate Is fractal nature dependent on the number of steps?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Fractals/Dendrites and the Dissolving of Phenoxyethanol in Water
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How useful is this if I want to begin programming?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K