Custom Scroll Animations in SDL

How can I implement custom scroll animations in SDL applications?

Implementing custom scroll animations in SDL can enhance the user experience by providing smooth and visually appealing interactions. Here's an example program that responds to scroll events:

#include <SDL.h>

#include <chrono>
#include <iostream>

int main(int argc, char* argv[]) {
  using namespace std::chrono;
  SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_VIDEO);
  SDL_Window* window = SDL_CreateWindow(
    "Custom Scroll Animations Example",
    SDL_WINDOWPOS_UNDEFINED,
    SDL_WINDOWPOS_UNDEFINED,
    800, 600, SDL_WINDOW_SHOWN
  );
  SDL_Renderer* renderer =
    SDL_CreateRenderer(window, -1, 0);

  SDL_Event event;
  bool running = true;
  float scrollPosition = 0.0f;
  float targetPosition = 0.0f;
  float animationSpeed = 0.1f;  
  auto lastTime = high_resolution_clock::now();

  while (running) {
    auto currentTime = high_resolution_clock::now();
    duration<float> deltaTime =
      currentTime - lastTime;
    lastTime = currentTime;

    while (SDL_PollEvent(&event)) {
      if (event.type == SDL_MOUSEWHEEL) {
        targetPosition += event.wheel.y * 20.0f;  
      }
      if (event.type == SDL_QUIT) {
        running = false;
      }
    }

    // Smoothly interpolate the scroll position
    // towards the target position
    scrollPosition += (
      targetPosition - scrollPosition
    ) * animationSpeed;

    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 0, 0, 0, 255);
    SDL_RenderClear(renderer);

    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(
      renderer, 255, 255, 255, 255);

    SDL_Rect rect = {
      375,
      static_cast<int>(scrollPosition),
      50,
      50
    };
    SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &rect);

    SDL_RenderPresent(renderer);
  }

  SDL_DestroyRenderer(renderer);
  SDL_DestroyWindow(window);
  SDL_Quit();
  return 0;
}

We use a target position to determine the final desired scroll position. Gradually interpolate the current scroll position towards the target position to create a smooth animation.

The animationSpeed variable controls how quickly the scroll position interpolates towards the target position. Adjust this value to achieve the desired animation effect.

In the event loop, we update the target position based on mouse wheel input. Each scroll event changes the target position, and the animation logic smoothly adjusts the current scroll position.

Here's a more advanced example that includes easing for a smoother animation:

#include <SDL.h>

#include <chrono>
#include <cmath>
#include <iostream>

float EaseOut(float t) {
  return 1.0f - std::pow(1.0f - t, 3);  
}

int main(int argc, char* argv[]) {
  using namespace std::chrono;

  SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_VIDEO);
  SDL_Window* window = SDL_CreateWindow(
    "Custom Scroll Animations Example",
    SDL_WINDOWPOS_UNDEFINED,
    SDL_WINDOWPOS_UNDEFINED,
    800, 600, SDL_WINDOW_SHOWN
  );

  SDL_Renderer* renderer =
    SDL_CreateRenderer(window, -1, 0);

  SDL_Event event;
  bool running = true;
  float scrollPosition = 0.0f;
  float targetPosition = 0.0f;
  float animationSpeed = 0.1f;
  auto lastTime = high_resolution_clock::now();

  while (running) {
    auto currentTime = high_resolution_clock::now();
    duration<float> deltaTime = currentTime - lastTime;
    lastTime = currentTime;

    while (SDL_PollEvent(&event)) {
      if (event.type == SDL_MOUSEWHEEL) {
        targetPosition += event.wheel.y * 20.0f;
      }
      if (event.type == SDL_QUIT) {
        running = false;
      }
    }

    // Smoothly interpolate the scroll position
    // towards the target position with easing
    float t = EaseOut(
      animationSpeed * deltaTime.count());
    scrollPosition += (
      targetPosition - scrollPosition) * t;

    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 0, 0, 0, 255);
    SDL_RenderClear(renderer);

    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(
      renderer, 255, 255, 255, 255);

    SDL_Rect rect = {
      375,
      static_cast<int>(scrollPosition),
      50,
      50
    };

    SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &rect);

    SDL_RenderPresent(renderer);
  }

  SDL_DestroyRenderer(renderer);
  SDL_DestroyWindow(window);
  SDL_Quit();
  return 0;
}

By following these steps, you can implement custom scroll animations in SDL. Using interpolation and easing functions, you can create smooth and visually appealing animations that enhance the user experience in your applications.

Handling Mouse Scrolling

Learn how to detect and handle mouse scroll wheel events in SDL2, including vertical and horizontal scrolling, as well as scroll wheel button events.

Questions & Answers

Answers are generated by AI models and may not have been reviewed. Be mindful when running any code on your device.

SDL_MOUSEWHEEL vs SDL_MouseWheelEvent
What is the difference between SDL_MOUSEWHEEL and SDL_MouseWheelEvent?
Handle Horizontal Scrolling in SDL
How do I handle horizontal scrolling events in SDL?
Implement Zoom with Mouse Scroll
How can I implement zoom functionality using the mouse scroll wheel in SDL?
Implement Inertia Scrolling in SDL
Can I implement inertia scrolling like on smartphones using SDL?
Adjust Scroll Sensitivity in SDL
Can I adjust the sensitivity of mouse scroll input in SDL?
Simulate Mouse Events in SDL
How can I simulate mouse events programmatically in SDL for testing purposes?
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