How ChatGPT helps me learn

ChatGPT has now become an essential part of how I learn. It went that fast - last week trying it for the first time, this week I can't imagine working without it.

For example, I'm learning about the relationship between CAD programs, game engines, and SaaS. These are areas of software I know nothing about. Usually, in such cases, I would have to map out the major names in the space, read a lot of tutorials, go down some rabbit holes, encounter frustration, and finally come up with my own overviews.

With #chatgpt , this gets synthesized for me instantly. ChatGPT additionally gives me heads up advice on problems I might encounter ("Reducing the polygon count, simplifying the geometry, and optimizing materials and textures can help ensure smooth performance").

Take a look! Maybe this is useful to you, too, if you're a CAD/Unity n00b like me =)

[bold texts are my prompts, the rest is ChatGPT]

What are the file formats that are compatible with CAD programs?

CAD programs support a variety of file formats for importing and exporting models, drawings, and designs. The specific formats supported may vary depending on the CAD software, but there are several common formats that are widely used and compatible with many CAD programs:

1. DXF (Drawing Exchange Format): A widely-used 2D vector file format created by Autodesk for exchanging CAD drawings between different programs. It can store geometric, text, and raster data.
2. DWG (Drawing): A native file format for Autodesk's AutoCAD software, containing 2D and 3D design data, including geometry, layers, and metadata. Many CAD programs can import and export DWG files.
3. IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification): A neutral file format for exchanging 3D CAD data between different programs. It supports various geometry types, including wireframes, surfaces, and solid models.
4. STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data): A widely-used, standardized format for exchanging 3D CAD data between different software. It supports complex geometry, assembly structures, and product manufacturing information.
5. STL (Stereolithography): A popular file format for 3D printing and additive manufacturing, containing information about the surface geometry of 3D models using triangular facets.
6. OBJ (Wavefront Object): A 3D geometry file format that is widely used for exchanging 3D models between various 3D graphics programs. It supports geometry, texture coordinates, and material information.
7. COLLADA (COLLAborative Design Activity): An open, XML-based format for exchanging 3D assets between various applications, including CAD, 3D modeling, and game development software.
8. FBX (Filmbox): A proprietary file format developed by Autodesk for exchanging 3D models, animations, and scenes between different software. It supports geometry, materials, textures, lighting, and animation data.
9. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes): A standardized, open file format for exchanging building information modeling (BIM) data between different architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) applications.
10. 3DS (3D Studio): An older file format originally used by Autodesk 3D Studio, containing 3D model data, materials, and animations. It is still supported by many CAD and 3D modeling applications.

These are just some of the file formats that are compatible with CAD programs. The specific formats supported will depend on the CAD software being used, so it's essential to check the documentation or help resources for the particular program to determine its compatible file formats.

Which file formats are best for sharing designs between CAD programs and game engines like Unity?

When sharing designs between CAD programs and game engines like Unity, it's essential to choose file formats that maintain the necessary data, such as geometry, materials, and textures, while ensuring compatibility with both platforms. Some popular file formats that work well for this purpose include:

1. FBX (Filmbox): A widely-used proprietary format developed by Autodesk, which supports 3D models, animations, materials, and textures. It is compatible with many CAD programs and is natively supported by Unity. FBX is often the go-to format for sharing designs between CAD and game engines.
2. OBJ (Wavefront Object): A versatile and widely-accepted 3D geometry file format that supports geometry, texture coordinates, and material information. Unity can import OBJ files, but keep in mind that it does not support animations or complex hierarchies.
3. COLLADA (COLLAborative Design Activity): An open, XML-based format for exchanging 3D assets between various applications, including CAD, 3D modeling, and game development software. Unity supports COLLADA (.dae) files, which can store geometry, materials, textures, and animations.

When exporting designs from CAD programs to use in game engines, it's crucial to consider optimizing the models for real-time rendering. CAD models often have high polygon counts and complex geometries that can impact performance in a game engine. Reducing the polygon count, simplifying the geometry, and optimizing materials and textures can help ensure smooth performance in Unity or other game engines.

In some cases, you may need to use intermediary software like Blender, 3ds Max, or Maya to optimize and convert the CAD models into a format suitable for game engines. These programs can also help with UV mapping, rigging, and animation if needed.

Can FBX (Filmbox) files be rendered in browsers? Is this the standard for browser-based games?

FBX (Filmbox) files are not natively supported for rendering in web browsers. To display 3D models in browser-based games or applications, you'll typically need to use a different file format, often specific to the 3D rendering library or framework being used.

For browser-based games and applications, WebGL and libraries like Three.js are commonly used for 3D rendering. These tools typically use different file formats optimized for the web, such as:

1. glTF (GL Transmission Format): glTF is an open-standard, efficient, and extensible 3D file format designed for real-time rendering on the web. It is sometimes referred to as the "JPEG of 3D" due to its performance and compactness. glTF is supported by many 3D engines, including Three.js, and is becoming a popular standard for web-based 3D content.
2. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): Three.js and other WebGL libraries can use JSON to store 3D model data, materials, and scene information. This format is easily parsed by web browsers and can be used to represent 3D assets in a human-readable format.

To display FBX models in a web browser, you'll usually need to convert the models into a more suitable format, like glTF or JSON. There are various tools and converters available to help with this process, such as:

1. FBX2glTF: A command-line tool developed by Facebook that converts FBX files to glTF or binary glTF files.
2. URL: https://github.com/facebookincubator/FBX2glTF
3. Blender: A powerful, open-source 3D modeling and animation software that supports many file formats, including FBX and glTF. You can use Blender to import an FBX file and then export it as a glTF file.
4. URL: https://www.blender.org/

In conclusion, while FBX is a widely-used format for 3D content in desktop applications and game engines, it is not the standard for browser-based games. Formats like glTF are better suited for web-based 3D content due to their efficiency and compatibility with WebGL and popular web-based 3D libraries like Three.js.