course_planning:course_notes:vpython [Projects & Practices in Physics]

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====== Software for Projects ======

In class, you will make use of [[http://www.vpython.org|VPython]] and [[http://code.google.com/p/python-physutil|PhysUtil]] to model the motion of different physical systems. Both bits of software have extensive documentation. Listed below are some of the things that each bit of software can do.
===== VPython =====

VPython is built from the Python programming language. It adds some features that were traditionally difficult to have Python do. With very little code, VPython can:

  * create visual objects in 3 dimensions,
  * animate the motion of objects, and
  * move the visualization around with mouse interactions

Extensive documentation for VPython is [[http://www.vpython.org/contents/docs/index.html|available here]].
===== PhysUtil =====

PhysUtil is a module for VPython that makes it simpler to create highly visual simulations. With very little code, PhysUtil lets you:

  * generate motion maps, {{:183_projects:motionmap.png?300}}
  * plot graphs, {{:183_projects:graph.png?400}}
  * make timers, and
  * import CSV data

Extensive documentation for PhysUtil is [[https://code.google.com/p/python-physutil/w/list|available here]].