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VPython

Python programming language

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This library application allows users to create 3D objects, such as spheres and cones, and then display these objects in an app window. This aids creation of simple visualizations, allowing programmers to focus more on the computational aspect of their programs. VPython is a common tool for the illustration of simple mathematics and physics, especially in education, due to its simplicity and open source licensing.

History

The cT programming language was developed in 1985 by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, with contributions from individuals such as David Andersen, Bruce Sherwood, Judith Sherwood, and Kevin Whitley. Derived from predecessors like the TUTOR (1965) and the MicroTutor (1977) programming languages, cT found its primary application in generating 2D graphics within education, particularly classrooms. Notably, numerous educational programs, including those recognized by awards like VISQ, were authored in cT, particularly in the realm of physics. In 1997, students at Carnegie Mellon University were introduced to cT through a newly devised introductory physics course led by Ruth Chabay and Bruce Sherwood.

In 1998, David Scherer entered the university as a freshman and enrolled in one of the introductory physics classes that used cT. Although cT offered a relatively easy 2D graphics programming environment, Scherer saw the possibility of creating a different tool. In the spring and summer of 2000, with the assistance of David Andersen, Ruth Chabay, Ari Heitner, Ian Peters, and Bruce Sherwood, Scherer created Visual, a module for Python that rendered objects in three dimensions. The combination of Python plus Visual is called VPython. Further development of the cT programming language was ended and the newly created VPython was used in its place. Since VPython's creation, several versions have been released to the public.

In 2016, developers announced that classic VPython would no longer be developed. Instead, development will concentrate on Glowscript and Jupyter implementations of the language.

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