Small3dlib: Public domain 3D software rasterizer

Technical aspects of the rasterizer

• Commenters like the minimalism: C99, no dynamic heap allocation, no dependencies, and suitability for very constrained platforms.
• Some are drawn to the “old school” software-rendered 3D aesthetic.
• A few note that this style of compact C code and limited complexity feels like a lost art.

Rendering quality and aesthetics

• One thread questions whether “full” 3D is ideal for low‑resolution targets, pointing to heavy aliasing and noisy visuals.
• Others argue aliasing is often acceptable or even desirable as an aesthetic, especially when users accept platform limitations.
• An example is given of intentionally “imperfect” rasterizers (no z‑buffer, no perspective correction, low precision) to achieve a glitchy retro look.
• Discussion touches on when aliasing becomes genuinely distracting (e.g., Moiré patterns at certain spatial frequencies).

Naming and association with existing projects

• Some initially assume affiliation with a well-known minimalist software group because of the name; others clarify there is no connection.
• A few distinguish between a general “suckless” philosophy and the specific organization.

Author’s website, beliefs, and behavior

• A large subthread reacts to the author’s personal site, describing it as filled with disturbing content: explicit advocacy of pedophilia and legalization of child pornography, “race realist” views, misogyny, trolling, and extreme self‑loathing.
• Commenters cite bans from various platforms and note a browser project described as minimizing traces in case of police raids, which some see as suspicious and others defend as privacy‑focused.
• Several people read the site as a “cry for help,” highlighting diagnosed anxiety/avoidant personality disorder, severe loneliness, and social isolation.
• Others debate whether parts are trolling or sarcasm; this is left unclear.

Ethics of using the software

• Some argue personal ideology is off‑topic: code quality is separate from the creator’s views; using the library does not endorse those views.
• Others insist the association matters, drawing parallels to other projects that lost adoption after creators’ serious crimes or abuses.
• There is discussion on separating “art from the artist” in software vs. in traditional arts; views are mixed.

Mental health, responsibility, and empathy

• Multiple commenters compare the situation to other technically gifted but unstable developers, debating illness vs. identity.
• Some stress that mental illness can explain but not excuse harmful views; society should clearly condemn them while still recognizing the need for treatment.
• Others discuss how to approach such people interpersonally: showing non‑enabling compassion, avoiding combative arguments, and recognizing that therapy requires the person to want help.