Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Structure Synth VS Vvvv

Compare Structure Synth VS Vvvv 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.

Vvvv logo Vvvv

vvvv is a graphical programming environment for easy prototyping and development.
  • Structure Synth Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-10-06
  • Vvvv Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-24

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  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface may feel outdated, lacking the polish and user experience improvements found in more modern software.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.

Vvvv features and specs

  • Visual Programming
    vvvv is a graphical programming environment. It allows users to create applications by simply dragging and connecting nodes, making it intuitive for designers and artists without extensive coding experience.
  • Real-time Processing
    vvvv excels in real-time audio-visual processing, making it ideal for projects that require live interaction, such as multimedia installations, live performances, and interactive applications.
  • Community and Resources
    vvvv boasts a strong and active community, with a wealth of tutorials, forums, and user-contributed patches. This support network can help users troubleshoot and discover creative solutions.
  • Versatility
    It supports a wide range of applications, from 3D graphics and video processing to physical computing and IoT applications. This versatility makes it suitable for a diverse array of projects.
  • Free for Non-Commercial Use
    vvvv offers a free version for non-commercial use, which is great for students, hobbyists, and those looking to experiment without financial commitment.

Possible disadvantages of Vvvv

  • Learning Curve
    Despite being a visual programming tool, vvvv has a steep learning curve. Users still need to understand programming concepts and the specifics of the environment, which can be challenging for beginners.
  • Windows Only
    vvvv is currently only available for Windows. This exclusivity can be a significant limitation for Mac and Linux users who either need to use a virtual machine or dual-boot setup to access the software.
  • Commercial License Cost
    While the non-commercial version is free, the commercial license of vvvv can be quite expensive. This could be a barrier for small businesses and independent developers.
  • Limited Mainstream Adoption
    vvvv is not as widely adopted or recognized as some other creative coding environments (like Processing or TouchDesigner). This can lead to difficulties in finding specific resources or job opportunities that require vvvv skills.
  • Performance Overheads
    As with many visual programming environments, vvvv can have performance overheads compared to traditional programming languages, which may impact the efficiency and execution speed of complex projects.

Analysis of Vvvv

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Vvvv is considered good for specific use cases. It excels in scenarios where real-time visual feedback and rapid prototyping are essential. Its community-driven development and extensive library of nodes and plugins make it a potent tool for artists, designers, and developers seeking to explore interactive and digital art.

Why this product is good

  • Vvvv is a hybrid visual/textual live-programming environment designed for creative coding and prototyping. It is particularly well-suited for real-time audio-visual projects, installations, and performances. The platform supports a wide range of uses due to its flexibility and powerful node-based programming interface, which allows users to create complex multimedia applications without deep prior programming knowledge.

Recommended for

  • Artists working on interactive installations
  • Designers and developers interested in creative coding
  • Digital art and multimedia enthusiasts
  • Anyone creating real-time audio-visual performances
  • Educators teaching visual programming and digital media

Structure Synth videos

3D Printing impossible geometries with Structure Synth

More videos:

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

Vvvv videos

Classic Game Room - VVVVVV review

More videos:

  • Review - VVVVVV for Nintendo Switch Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Structure Synth and Vvvv)
3D
21 21%
79% 79
Game Development
100 100%
0% 0
VJ
0 0%
100% 100
Game Engine
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Vvvv should be more popular than Structure Synth. It has been mentiond 13 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
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Vvvv mentions (13)

  • Vvvvvv Source Code
    Every time this is brought up, I think of https://vvvv.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Vvvvvv Source Code
    At first I thought it would be some kind of successor to https://vvvv.org/, which I hadn't looked at in years. The game looks fun, might give it a spin. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • 12-factor Agents: Patterns of reliable LLM applications
    Is very attractive here. Of course, some questions in my case would be quite abstract, but anyway. Also, multistage pipelines are also very interesting. [1]: loose set of bulletpoints brainstorming the idea if curious, not organised: https://kfs.mkj.lt/#audiovisllm (click to expand description) [2]: https://vvvv.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • VVVV โ€“ A hybrid visual/textual development environment for .NET
    Seems to be an iteration of https://vvvv.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • IntelligentPad (1989) a component-based drag-and-drop software creator
    Never heard of it but this vaguely reminds me of labview (still widely used in factory infrastructure and R&D) another similar environment that 20 years ago I thought would become the new desktop/programming metaphor is vvvv[0] [0] https://vvvv.org/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

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

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

TouchDesigner - TouchDesigner is a visual development platform that equips you with the tools you need to create stunning realtime projects and rich user experiences.

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

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

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...

Pure Data - Pd (aka Pure Data) is a real-time graphical programming environment for audio, video, and graphical...