Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Structure Synth VS Cinder

Compare Structure Synth VS Cinder and see what are their differences

Structure Synth logo Structure Synth

Structure Synth is a tool for creating 3D structures from a set of user specified rules.

Cinder logo Cinder

CINDER PROVIDES A POWERFUL, INTUITIVE TOOLBOX for programming graphics, audio, video, networking...
  • Structure Synth Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-06
  • Cinder Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-14

Structure Synth features and specs

  • Generative Design
    Structure Synth allows users to create complex 3D structures using simple rule-based algorithms, enabling generative design that can result in unique and intricate patterns.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, Structure Synth is free to use and modify, which encourages community contribution and fosters innovation.
  • Scriptable Environment
    The software provides a scripting language called 'ESL', allowing users to define their structures programmatically, catering to the needs of advanced users who prefer code-based design.
  • Cross-Platform
    Structure Synth is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
  • Export Capabilities
    Users can export their creations in various formats, including 3D file formats like OBJ and X3D, making it easier to integrate with other 3D applications.

Possible disadvantages of Structure Synth

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The scripting and rule-based approach can be challenging for beginners who are not familiar with programming or algorithmic design.
  • Limited Documentation
    The official documentation is somewhat limited, which may make it difficult for new users to fully utilize all features without community support.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface may feel outdated, lacking the polish and user experience improvements found in more modern software.
  • Sparse Community
    Compared to more popular 3D modeling tools, Structure Synth has a smaller user community, which can limit the availability of tutorials, forums, and shared resources.
  • Performance Limitations
    Complex and large structures can be performance-intensive, potentially leading to slow processing times or difficulty in rendering on less powerful hardware.

Cinder features and specs

  • High Performance
    Cinder is designed with performance in mind, leveraging hardware acceleration and modern graphics APIs like OpenGL, making it suitable for applications that require real-time rendering and fast processing.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Cinder supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS, allowing developers to write their code once and deploy across different devices with minimal modifications.
  • Extensive Feature Set
    Cinder provides a rich set of features for graphics programming, including typography, image processing, shaders, and 3D rendering, making it a versatile tool for creative coding.
  • Active Community and Resources
    There is an active community of developers contributing to Cinder, offering forums, tutorials, and plugins, which can be valuable resources for learning and troubleshooting.

Possible disadvantages of Cinder

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners, Cinder can be difficult to learn due to its comprehensive feature set and the complexities of graphics programming concepts.
  • Limited GUI Components
    Cinder lacks built-in support for GUI components, which means developers may need to implement their own or rely on third-party libraries for interface elements.
  • Sparse Documentation
    While there are resources available, some areas of Cinder lack comprehensive official documentation, which can pose challenges for developers new to the framework.
  • Dependency Management
    Cinder projects often require external dependencies that need to be managed manually, which can add complexity to the setup and deployment process.

Analysis of Cinder

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Cinder is considered a good framework.

Why this product is good

  • Cinder is a powerful and flexible C++ library designed for creative coding. It provides a rich set of features for graphics, audio, video, networking, and computational geometry, making it suitable for interactive applications and creative projects. Its focus on efficiency and real-time performance makes it particularly appealing to developers who need high-performance multimedia applications. Additionally, Cinder has an active community that contributes to its continuous improvement.

Recommended for

  • Creative coders who are looking for a flexible, high-performance library.
  • Developers focused on multimedia applications needing advanced graphics and audio capabilities.
  • Artists and designers interested in interactive installations or digital art.
  • Educators teaching creative coding using C++.

Structure Synth videos

3D Printing impossible geometries with Structure Synth

More videos:

  • Review - structure synth
  • Review - Structure Synth and Blender movie

Cinder videos

CINDER BY MARISSA MEYER | booktalk with XTINEMAY

More videos:

  • Review - CINDER BY MARISSA MEYER
  • Review - Adidas YEEZY 350 V2 CINDER Review & On Feet

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Structure Synth and Cinder)
3D
42 42%
58% 58
Game Development
100 100%
0% 0
VJ
0 0%
100% 100
Game Engine
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Structure Synth and Cinder. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Cinder should be more popular than Structure Synth. It has been mentiond 14 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Structure Synth mentions (7)

  • Geotoy โ€“ Shadertoy for 3D Geometry
    Reminds me a lot of the venerable structure synth: https://structuresynth.sourceforge.net/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • Elliptic Curves as Art
    Interestingly reminds me of what you can do with Structure Synth (https://structuresynth.sourceforge.net/) and Context Free Art (https://www.contextfreeart.org/), perhaps is a mathematical connection between these grammar-based formalism and the elliptic curves. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • [1920x1080] Procedural 7x7 Sprites
    Yup! Last update in 2010 but still good ;-) http://structuresynth.sourceforge.net. Source: over 3 years ago
  • [HowTo] CNC - Plywood - Geometric Patterns
    That being said: I am going to unilaterally decide to reinterpret your question as "how do I generate this sort of cool repeating texture for carving" and advise you check out structure synth. Source: almost 4 years ago
  • Algorithmic Botany, Biological Modelling and Visualization Software
    Http://structuresynth.sourceforge.net/ Of course if your bag is big expensive fx workshops like houdini or whatever you probably know what these are already haha. - Source: Hacker News / about 4 years ago
View more

Cinder mentions (14)

  • UI framework with C++ simulation.
    Have you come across openFrameworks (https://openframeworks.cc/) or Cinder (https://libcinder.org/)? Source: over 2 years ago
  • SDL, SFML, other libraries for game development in C++...?
    I only used SFML, currently making a 2D isometric game. I really like it so far overall, easy to use IMO, pretty well documented. Does what I need it to do. Heard good things about SDL2 and also Cinder++ (https://libcinder.org/) also. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • GUI Tips C++
    What kind of game? You might be better off using a game engine unless it's more of a simple starter project. Check out https://libcinder.org/ or see lots of engines here: https://github.com/collections/game-engines. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Something like p5.js but for C++
    Try Cinder (https://libcinder.org/). I have not tried it myself but it seems to have the same goals as P5 and Processing (ie. Creative coding). Source: over 3 years ago
  • How the Cinder JITโ€™s inliner works
    Kind of a shorty thing for Meta to do when Cinder is already taken by https://libcinder.org. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Structure Synth and Cinder, you can also consider the following products

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Processing - C++ and Java programming at the speed of thought.

Mandelbulb 3D - Mandelbulb 3D is a free software application created for 3D fractal imaging.

OpenFrameworks - openFrameworks

picoCAD - A game jam from 2021-03-05 to 2021-03-11 hosted by Munro & Johan Peitz. Make something in picoCAD, the latest and greatest low-poly pixel-art 3D modeler. No prior 3D experience required. All skill levels welcome! Theme Bui...

Vuo - Design and build live interactive media.