Transformation in computer graphics refers to the process of changing some graphics into something else by applying rules. It is used to modify the position, orientation, or size of objects within a graphical scene. Transformations play an important role in computer graphics to reposition the graphics on the screen and change their size or orientation. There are two types of transformations in computer graphics: geometric transformations and coordinate transformations.
Geometric transformations refer to changing the object itself relative to the coordinate system or background. Examples of geometric transformations include translation, rotation, scaling, reflection, and shearing. On the other hand, coordinate transformations refer to holding the object fixed and changing the coordinate system or background. An example of a coordinate transformation is changing the viewpoint of an object.
Transformations are typically represented as matrices, and the points on which they operate are represented as vectors. The basic geometrical 2D transformations in computer graphics are translation, rotation, and scaling, while the derived geometrical transformation is reflection. Transformations are used in computer graphics to provide the facility to view objects from different angles, enlarge or reduce the scale or shape of objects, and change their orientation.
