How to integrate Edyn into an existing C++ project with CMake?

First, install Conan 2.0 and CMake 3.23+. Run 'conan install .' and 'conan build .' in the Edyn directory, then link libEdyn and add include paths to edyn/include and edyn/build/include in your project's build configuration.

Edyn vs PhysX for networked physics simulations?

Edyn has built-in networked physics with client-server synchronization, while PhysX requires custom networking layers. However, PhysX offers broader platform support and industry maturity, whereas Edyn is tightly coupled with EnTT ECS.

How to set up client-side prediction with Edyn?

Edyn handles client-side extrapolation automatically in background threads. Configure the networked physics model by initializing the client-server setup as per the documentation, and Edyn will manage state updates and prediction.

What collision shapes does Edyn support?

Edyn supports spheres, cylinders, capsules, boxes, convex polyhedra, compounds, planes, and triangle meshes, including paged meshes for large worlds, with specialized narrow-phase detection for accurate collisions.

Can Edyn be used for 2D physics games?

Edyn is primarily designed for 3D physics. While it could be adapted by ignoring one axis, it's not optimized for 2D, and engines like Box2D or Chipmunk are better suited for 2D projects due to simpler APIs.

How to optimize Edyn for large open-world scenes?

Leverage its multi-threaded architecture by enabling parallel simulation with islands, use paged triangle meshes for terrain, and implement efficient broad-phase collision detection with the dynamic bounding volume tree.

Open-Awesome

Edyn

MITC++v1.3.1

A real-time physics engine organized as an Entity-Component System (ECS) using EnTT, designed for multi-threaded and networked simulation.

GitHub

779 stars35 forks0 contributors

What is Edyn?

Edyn is a real-time physics engine organized as an Entity-Component System (ECS) using the EnTT library. It simulates rigid body dynamics, collision detection, and constraints in multi-threaded and networked environments. The engine is designed to handle large dynamic worlds efficiently, making it suitable for games and simulations requiring scalable physics.

Target Audience

Game developers and simulation engineers working with C++ and ECS architectures who need a performant, multi-threaded physics engine with networking capabilities.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Edyn for its deep integration with ECS via EnTT, built-in multi-threading and networked physics support, and flexibility in defining physics objects through components, offering a modern alternative to traditional physics engines.

Overview

Edyn is a real-time physics engine organized as an ECS.

Use Cases

Best For

Multi-threaded physics simulation in large game worlds
Networked multiplayer games requiring synchronized physics
ECS-based game engines using EnTT
Simulations with complex rigid body interactions and constraints
Projects needing customizable collision detection with various shape types
Developing ragdoll physics or vehicle dynamics

Not Ideal For

Projects not using the EnTT ECS library or entity-component architectures
Simple 2D games or rapid prototypes where lightweight engines like Box2D are more appropriate
Teams preferring visual editors and drag-and-drop physics setup over code-centric configuration

Pros & Cons

Pros

Deep ECS Integration

Uses EnTT to define physics objects implicitly through components, enabling seamless integration with existing ECS workflows and easy addition of custom components, as shown in rigid body creation examples.

Multi-threaded Performance

Designed for parallel simulation using islands and background worker threads, making it efficient for large dynamic worlds with many entities without manual threading effort.

Networked Physics Built-in

Provides a client-server model with client-side extrapolation and server-side state application, reducing the need for custom network synchronization code in multiplayer games.

Extensive Shape Library

Supports spheres, cylinders, capsules, boxes, convex polyhedra, and more, with specialized narrow-phase collision detection for complex interactions.

Cons

Complex Build Process

Requires Conan 2.0, CMake 3.23+, and platform-specific steps like linking winmm.lib on Windows, adding significant integration overhead compared to drop-in libraries.

Manual Change Propagation

Developers must explicitly notify Edyn of component changes using edyn::refresh() or dirty components, increasing the risk of synchronization errors if overlooked.

Steep Learning Curve

Heavy reliance on EnTT and ECS concepts makes it challenging for developers not already familiar with entity-component systems, limiting accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

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