VPython: Difference between revisions
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VPython is a Python graphics module used for modeling objects in 3-dimensional space. In the field of physics, this is especially useful for calculating and modeling complex relationships between objects and their properties. | VPython is a Python graphics module used for modeling objects in 3-dimensional space. In the field of physics, this is especially useful for calculating and modeling complex relationships between objects and their properties. | ||
[[File:VPythonMagneticForce.png|300px]] | |||
==Installation== | ==Installation== | ||
VPython is compatible with Windows, OSX, and Linux. While there is an older VPython version available that supports Python 3, the Georgia Tech physics courses use Python 2 syntax so it is recommended to install the latest version of VPython as outlined below. | |||
===Windows=== | ===Windows=== | ||
1. Install [http://python.org/ftp/python/2.7.9/python-2.7.9.amd64.msi Python-2.7]. | |||
2. Download and install VPython from [http://sourceforge.net/projects/vpythonwx/files/6.11-release/VPython-Win-64-Py2.7-6.11.exe/download Sourceforge]. | |||
[[File:VPythonWindows.png|400px]] | |||
To troubleshoot any installation issues, look at the extensive [http://vpython.org/contents/download_windows.html VPython Windows installation guide]. | |||
===OSX=== | ===OSX=== | ||
1. Install [https://www.python.org/ftp/python/2.7.9/python-2.7.9-macosx10.6.pkg Python-2.7]. This is required as the version of Python that Apple provides is not compatible. | |||
2. Download and install the VPython package from [http://sourceforge.net/projects/vpythonwx/files/6.11-release/VPython-Mac-Py2.7-6.11.dmg/download Sourceforge]. | |||
[[File:VPythonOSX.png|400px]] | |||
To troubleshoot installation issues, see the extensive [http://vpython.org/contents/download_mac.html VPython Mac installation guide]. | |||
===Linux=== | ===Linux=== | ||
Some Linux distributions include VPython in their repositories. For example, to install VPython in Ubuntu 15.04: | |||
<code>sudo apt-get install python-visual</code> | |||
[[File:VPythonUbuntu.png|400px]] | |||
If your Linux distribution's repository does not have the latest version of VPython, you can run the Windows version using [https://www.winehq.org/ Wine]. The [http://vpython.org/contents/download_linux.html VPython Linux installation guide] contains instructions. | |||
==Getting started with Python== | ==Getting started with Python== | ||
Revision as of 17:48, 2 December 2015
VPython is a Python graphics module used for modeling objects in 3-dimensional space. In the field of physics, this is especially useful for calculating and modeling complex relationships between objects and their properties.
Installation
VPython is compatible with Windows, OSX, and Linux. While there is an older VPython version available that supports Python 3, the Georgia Tech physics courses use Python 2 syntax so it is recommended to install the latest version of VPython as outlined below.
Windows
1. Install Python-2.7.
2. Download and install VPython from Sourceforge.
To troubleshoot any installation issues, look at the extensive VPython Windows installation guide.
OSX
1. Install Python-2.7. This is required as the version of Python that Apple provides is not compatible.
2. Download and install the VPython package from Sourceforge.
To troubleshoot installation issues, see the extensive VPython Mac installation guide.
Linux
Some Linux distributions include VPython in their repositories. For example, to install VPython in Ubuntu 15.04:
sudo apt-get install python-visual
If your Linux distribution's repository does not have the latest version of VPython, you can run the Windows version using Wine. The VPython Linux installation guide contains instructions.
Getting started with Python
Introduction to basic Python use
Creating VPython Objects
- Sphere
- Arrow
- Updating objects
Useful built-in functions
Vectors
- cross(vectorA, vectorB)
- mag(vector)
Connectedness
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- How is it connected to your major?
- Is there an interesting industrial application?
History
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VPython was originally released in 2000 by David Scherer after he took an introductory physics class at Carnegie Mellon University. At the time, the school used the cT programming language for 2D modeling, and David saw the need for something better. Working with several people including professors Ruth Chabay and Bruce Sherwood, he developed a Python module called Visual. Visual Python or VPython featured 3D modeling, as well as an easier-to-understand object-oriented syntax. VPython is released under an Open Source license, and development continues today.
See also
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Further reading
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External links
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References
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