Boids in Zig using Raylib

Overview

This is a Boids simulation implemented in Zig using Raylib. The Boids algorithm models flocking behavior of birds, where each agent (boid) follows three primary rules:

• Separation: Avoid crowding nearby boids.
• Alignment: Align velocity with neighboring boids.
• Cohesion: Move towards the average position of nearby boids.

Features

• Realistic flocking behavior using vector mathematics.
• Smooth movement and interactions between boids.
• Configurable parameters for behavior tuning.
• Efficient rendering using Raylib.

Installation & Running the Simulation

Prerequisites

Ensure you have the following installed:

• Zig
• Raylib (Zig bindings assumed)

Steps

1. Clone this repository:

   git clone [https://github.com/yourusername/boids-zig.git](https://github.com/lazycodebaker/biods.git)
   cd boids-zig

2. Build the project:

   zig build

3. Run the simulation:

   zig-out/bin/boids

Controls

• Close Window: Press ESC or click the close button.

Configuration

Modify these parameters in main.zig to tweak boid behavior:

const avoidance_factor = 0.05;  // Influence of avoiding close boids
const matching_factor = 0.05;   // Influence of velocity alignment
const centering_factor = 0.0005; // Influence of moving towards nearby boids
const min_speed = 1.5;
const max_speed = 3;
const turn_padding = 100; // Screen edge avoidance buffer
const turn_factor = 0.2;  // Steering force at screen edges

License

This project is released under the MIT License.

Acknowledgments

• Inspired by Craig Reynolds' Boids algorithm.
• Built with Zig and Raylib.