What Free Libraries Can I Use to Draw Crystal Lattice Structures in 3D Using C?

[Taros]

Hello, my name is Kenichi, from japan.
Inorder to draw Crystal Lattice 3D Structures, what libraries for free out there to be used with C programming language ? I am still a C novice.
I wonder, in chemical simulation research do you also program using C language plus some libraries to drawing, modeling etc.

I used to hear of opengl, and i tried it too, but i could only draw 2 3d spheres with no bond because i don't know how to draw a bond , and it really took me a lot of time, perhaps even much much more if i wanted to complete the whole structure of a crystal compound.

Also, some people advise me to use windows programming, but i think this is like crazy because windows programming needs me to code much logner than opengl. is it correct ?

What should i do now, please advice me. I need urgently help from you on how to modelling a movable chemical compound in 3d space.

Thank you.

-Kenichi Taro

 

[nbo10]

http://www.ccp14.ac.uk/

you should be able to find a program that creates crystals structures here.

 

[ravenprp]

Hello Kenichi,

There are several free libraries available for drawing crystal lattice structures in 3D. Some popular ones include VTK (Visualization Toolkit), Open Babel, and Avogadro. These libraries offer a range of features and are commonly used in chemical simulation research.

As for programming languages, C is a popular choice for scientific computing and simulation. Many libraries are available for C that can assist in drawing and modeling crystal structures. It is always a good idea to consult with more experienced programmers or researchers in your field for specific recommendations and tips.

Regarding your experience with OpenGL, it is a graphics library commonly used for 3D rendering. It may take some time to learn how to use it effectively for drawing crystal structures, but with practice and patience, you can definitely achieve your goal. There are also many tutorials and resources available online that can help you improve your skills.

In terms of using Windows programming, it really depends on your project and the tools you are comfortable with. While it may take longer to code, it can offer more flexibility and control in your simulations. Again, it is best to consult with experienced programmers in your field for their insights and recommendations.

Overall, my advice would be to continue learning and practicing with different libraries and programming languages to find the ones that work best for you. It may take some time and effort, but with determination and perseverance, you can achieve your goal of modeling a movable chemical compound in 3D space.

I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your research!