Simulations - Programming languages?

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The discussion centers on programming languages suitable for astronomy simulations, with participants sharing their experiences. Python is frequently recommended for its ease of use, while others mention FORTRAN, C, and CUDA for more advanced simulations. Concerns are raised about the availability of graphics packages for Windows users, with a suggestion to consider Java as an alternative. Participants are also seeking resources and websites to help them get started in astronomy programming. Overall, the conversation highlights the diversity of programming languages used in the field and the need for accessible learning materials.
Shaybay92
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I was wondering whether anyone has experience in astronomy simulations. If so, what language do you use and recommend? I've done Haskell and a very small bit of C++... I've been told Python is good, what are your thoughts?

Also are there any good websites that may get me started?

Thanks
 
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Shaybay92 said:
I was wondering whether anyone has experience in astronomy simulations. If so, what language do you use and recommend? I've done Haskell and a very small bit of C++... I've been told Python is good, what are your thoughts?

Also are there any good websites that may get me started?

Thanks
Great question! I would love to study the basic of Astronomy via computer programming.
 
Same here! Any leads?
 
I've seen simulations written in both FORTRAN and C. However, I have come across an N-body simulation written in CUDA, which is based on C. CUDA gives you the ability to program a new Nvidia graphics card, so you can run simulations using the graphics card's GPU to do calculations, instead of using the computer's CPU.
 
Funny, I was expecting a whole forum about simulation here.

I started working with Fortran last year, but since I'm a Windows user, I feel like I'm missing on a lot of things. Most graphics packages are for Linux, for example.

This year I'm thinking about changing my direction to Java. Does anyone knows of some kind of limitation for Java simulations? Is it safe to do simulations with it, with scientific purposes?
 
UC Berkely, December 16, 2025 https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/12/16/whats-powering-these-mysterious-bright-blue-cosmic-flashes-astronomers-find-a-clue/ AT 2024wpp, a luminous fast blue optical transient, or LFBOT, is the bright blue spot at the upper right edge of its host galaxy, which is 1.1 billion light-years from Earth in (or near) a galaxy far, far away. Such objects are very bright (obiously) and very energetic. The article indicates that AT 2024wpp had a peak luminosity of 2-4 x...

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