Mastering Hash Tables and Linear Transformations in GIMP Script-Fu

November 26, 2024, 10:22 am
GitFlic
Location: Russia
In the world of programming, data structures are the backbone of efficient code. Among these, hash tables stand out like a lighthouse guiding ships through fog. They offer quick access to data, a crucial feature for any developer. This article explores the implementation of hash tables in GIMP Script-Fu, alongside a dive into linear transformations that breathe life into images.

### Understanding Hash Tables

Hash tables are like a well-organized library. Each book (data) is assigned a unique identifier (key), allowing for swift retrieval. In GIMP Script-Fu, the absence of hash tables was a glaring gap. This article aims to fill that void.

A hash table combines the best of lists and arrays. It provides constant time access to elements while allowing for dynamic growth. The foundation of a hash table lies in its hash function, which converts keys into numerical values. This transformation is crucial for organizing data efficiently.

To start, we need a hash function for primitive data types. For strings, we can assign weights to characters based on their positions. This method ensures that strings with the same characters in different orders yield different hash codes.

```scheme
(define (string-weight-sum2 str)
(let ((l (string-length str)))
(do ((i (- l 1) (- i 1))
(p 1 (+ p 1))
(rez 0 (+ rez (* p (char->integer (string-ref str i))))))
((< i 0) rez))))
```

This function traverses the string from end to start, multiplying each character's integer value by its position weight. The result is a unique hash code for each string.

### Organizing the Hash Table

The next step is to create the hash table structure. We use a vector to store lists of collisions, ensuring that multiple keys can map to the same index without losing data.

```scheme
(define (make-hash init-size)
(cons 'HASHTABLE (cons 0 (make-vector init-size))))
```

This creates a hash table with an initial size, tracking the number of elements. Each entry in the vector can point to a list of collisions, which we must handle during data retrieval.

### Adding and Retrieving Data

Inserting data into the hash table requires checking for collisions. If a collision occurs, we simply append the new entry to the list at that index.

```scheme
(define (hash-set! hash key val)
(if (need-expand-hash-table? hash)
(expand-hash-table! hash))
(let ((tbl (cddr hash))
(key-int (key2int key)))
(if (hashtbl-set! tbl key key-int val)
(set-car! (cdr hash) (+ 1 (cadr hash)))))
hash)
```

This function checks if the table needs expansion and adds the key-value pair accordingly.

Retrieving data is equally straightforward. We compute the hash code for the key and search through the corresponding list of collisions.

```scheme
(define (hash-ref hash key)
(let* ((tbl (cddr hash))
(key-int (key2int key))
(colizions (vector-ref tbl (modulo key-int (vector-length tbl)))))
(do ((cur colizions (cdr cur)))
((null? cur) #f)
(if (compare-key (caar cur) (cadar cur))
(return (cddar cur))))))
```

This function returns the associated value or `#f` if the key is not found.

### Linear Transformations in GIMP

Now, let’s shift gears to linear transformations, a powerful tool for manipulating images. GIMP’s `gimp-item-transform-matrix` function serves as the core for these transformations.

We start by defining a structure to hold our transformation matrix, which consists of six significant fields. This structure simplifies the process of applying transformations to points.

```scheme
(struct tr2d (m11 m12 m21 m22 dx dy))
```

Next, we define operations for transforming points. The transformation of a point involves matrix multiplication, a fundamental concept in linear algebra.

```scheme
(define (p-tr2d p tr)
(let ((x (p-x p)) (y (p-y p)))
(p! (+ (* x (tr2d-m11 tr)) (* y (tr2d-m21 tr)) (tr2d-dx tr))
(+ (* x (tr2d-m12 tr)) (* y (tr2d-m22 tr)) (tr2d-dy tr)))))
```

This function takes a point and a transformation matrix, applying the transformation to yield new coordinates.

### Combining Transformations

Transformations can be combined to create complex effects. For instance, a rotation followed by a translation can be achieved through matrix multiplication.

```scheme
(define (comb-tr2d m n)
(let ((m11 (tr2d-m11 m)) (m12 (tr2d-m12 m))
(m21 (tr2d-m21 m)) (m22 (tr2d-m22 m))
(mx (tr2d-dx m)) (my (tr2d-dy m))
(n11 (tr2d-m11 n)) (n12 (tr2d-m12 n))
(n21 (tr2d-m21 n)) (n22 (tr2d-m22 n))
(nx (tr2d-dx n)) (ny (tr2d-dy n)))
(tr2d! (+ (* m11 n11) (* m12 n21))
(+ (* m11 n12) (* m12 n22))
(+ (* m21 n11) (* m22 n21))
(+ (* m21 n12) (* m22 n22))
(+ (* mx n11) (* my n21) nx)
(+ (* mx n12) (* my n22) ny))))
```

This function allows for chaining transformations, making it easy to apply multiple effects in sequence.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering hash tables and linear transformations in GIMP Script-Fu opens up a world of possibilities. Hash tables provide efficient data management, while linear transformations enhance image manipulation capabilities. Together, they empower developers to create robust and dynamic applications.

As we continue to explore the depths of Script-Fu, the potential for creativity and efficiency remains boundless. The journey has just begun, and the tools at our disposal are powerful allies in the quest for innovation.