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Bresenham: drawing straight lines with integer decisions

Contribution grade

Computing · Computing

Reference score95,000Provisional editorial estimate of this exact contribution; its grade is assessed separately.

What changed

Bresenham described a compact integer-update algorithm that selects adjacent plotter-grid points to follow a straight line between integer-coordinate endpoints, handling all eight octants without per-step multiplication or division.

Scientific scope

Bresenham described a compact integer-update algorithm that selects adjacent plotter-grid points to follow a straight line between integer-coordinate endpoints, handling all eight octants without per-step multiplication or division. The target is integer-grid plotting of straight segments with the specified nearest-grid decision and tie conventions. Endpoint ordering and half-grid ties can affect reversal symmetry. Finite examples do not establish a universal rasterization theorem, subpixel antialiasing or performance for arbitrary curves. The original device assumptions and later generalized algorithms remain distinct.

Evidence

Source-linked, scoped account of the original work. The published scope states the scientific assumptions and remaining verification limits. WRS has not independently certified the full proof, experimental result or system benchmark.

Contributors

Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-16.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.

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