DDA Algorithm vs. Bresenham's Algorithm — What's the Difference?

The Digital Differential Analyzer (DDA) Algorithm is a line generation method that incrementally plots points on a grid based on linear interpolations. It's simple but uses floating-point arithmetic, which can be less efficient on some systems. In contrast, Bresenham's Algorithm, another line drawing method, exclusively uses integer calculations, making it faster and more suitable for raster displays where floating-point operations are costly.

DDA Algorithm calculates both x and y coordinates in each step, which can lead to rounding errors and a less precise line, especially over long distances. Bresenham's Algorithm, however, determines the next point based on the previous point and a decision variable, minimizing errors and producing more accurate and visually appealing lines.

When it comes to simplicity, the DDA Algorithm is more straightforward to understand and implement, as it's based on a simple linear equation. Bresenham's Algorithm, while more complex in its logic involving decision variables, outperforms DDA in terms of efficiency and accuracy.

The performance of DDA is generally slower due to its reliance on floating-point arithmetic. This can be significant in environments where computational resources are limited. Bresenham's Algorithm, with its integer-only approach, is inherently faster and more suitable for real-time graphics rendering where speed is crucial.

Finally, the choice between DDA and Bresenham's Algorithm often depends on the specific requirements of the graphics application. DDA is suitable for applications where simplicity and ease of implementation are priorities, while Bresenham's is the go-to for high-performance raster graphics applications.