Three.js
Three.js is a popular open-source JavaScript library used to create and display animated 3D computer graphics in a web browser. It provides an easy to use API to make working with WebGL simpler and more convenient.
3d
webgl
graphics
animation
Three.js: Open-Source 3D Graphics Library for Web
Three.js is a popular open-source JavaScript library used to create and display animated 3D computer graphics in a web browser. It provides an easy to use API to make working with WebGL simpler and more convenient.
What is Three.js?
Three.js is an open-source JavaScript library and Application Programming Interface (API) used to create and display animated three-dimensional computer graphics in a web browser using WebGL. Three.js makes working with the WebGL API easier by providing helpful tools and abstractions on top of the low-level WebGL API.
Some key capabilities and features of Three.js include:
- Scenegraph system to organize hierarchies of objects
- Materials and lighting systems for realistic appearances
- Support for loading assets like textures, 3D models, etc.
- Cameras, controls and automatic rendering
- Primitive geometries and particle systems
- Raycasting, shadow maps, VR stereo rendering
Three.js removes the tedium of working with WebGL directly and handles a lot of the math and browser inconsistencies behind the scenes. This makes it easier for web developers lacking graphics programming experience to work with 3D. Three.js has a fairly comprehensive suite of features while still being lightweight and fast compared to alternatives.
Three.js is used to create a wide range of 3D visualizations and experiments by developers, designers, artists, and students learning computer graphics. Typical uses include games, data visualizations, animated websites, 3D art, augmented/virtual reality, and architectural visualization.
Three.js Features
Features
- 3D graphics rendering
- Scene graph management
- Materials and textures
- Animations
- Cameras and lights
- Geometry creation
- Built-in geometries
- WebGL renderer
- Canvas renderer
- VR support
- Physics engine integration
- Node-based architecture
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Easy to learn and use
Good documentation
Active community
Open source
Good performance
Cross-browser support
Large ecosystem of plugins and extensions
Cons
Steep learning curve for advanced features
Not optimized for mobile platforms
Requires WebGL support
Difficult to optimize complex scenes
Not suitable for 2D graphics
Official Links
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