Introduction to Pymunk: The Ultimate Python Physics Engine

Pymunk is a space-efficient and easy-to-use Python library designed for 2D physics simulations.
Based on the robust Chipmunk2D, Pymunk comes with a collection of APIs to simulate physical interactions.

Essential API Explanations with Code Snippets

1. Install Pymunk

    import pymunk
  

2. Create a Space

    import pymunk
    space = pymunk.Space()
    space.gravity = (0, -981)  # Set gravity
  

3. Add Static and Dynamic Bodies

    static_body = pymunk.Body(body_type=pymunk.Body.STATIC)
    static_body.position = (0, 0)
    dynamic_body = pymunk.Body(mass=1, moment=10)
    dynamic_body.position = (100, 100)
  

4. Create and Add Shapes

    static_shape = pymunk.Segment(static_body, (50, 100), (350, 100), 5)
    static_shape.elasticity = 0.5
    space.add(static_body, static_shape)
    circle_shape = pymunk.Circle(dynamic_body, 10)
    circle_shape.elasticity = 0.5
    space.add(dynamic_body, circle_shape)
  

5. Handling Collisions

    def collision_event(arbiter, space, data):
        print("Collision detected!")
    handler = space.add_collision_handler(1, 2)
    handler.post_solve = collision_event
  

6. Step Through the Simulation

    steps = 100
    for _ in range(steps):
        space.step(0.02)  # Advance the simulation by 0.02 seconds.
  

7. Example: Simple Pymunk App

    import pygame
    import pymunk
    import pymunk.pygame_util

    pygame.init()
    screen = pygame.display.set_mode((600, 600))
    clock = pygame.time.Clock()
    draw_options = pymunk.pygame_util.DrawOptions(screen)

    space = pymunk.Space()
    space.gravity = (0, -981)

    def create_ball(space, pos):
        body = pymunk.Body(1, 100, body_type=pymunk.Body.DYNAMIC)
        body.position = pos
        shape = pymunk.Circle(body, 10)
        space.add(body, shape)

    create_ball(space, (300, 300))

    running = True
    while running:
        for event in pygame.event.get():
            if event.type == pygame.QUIT:
                running = False

        space.step(1/50.0)
        screen.fill((255, 255, 255))
        space.debug_draw(draw_options)
        pygame.display.update()
        clock.tick(50)

    pygame.quit()
  

Pymunk is highly versatile for any 2D game or simulation project. With Pymunk, developers can create complex scenes and model realistic physical interactions effortlessly.

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