Babylon.js vs VTK.js: A Side-by-Side Look

Choose Babylon.js for robust, Microsoft-backed 3D web-based applications with compelling animations. However, for complex data visualization tasks that require sophisticated rendering, VTK.js with its focus on rendering image data and polydata, has a clear upper hand.

Key Differences Between Babylon.js and VTK.js

• Focus: Babylon.js is a real-time 3D game engine, while VTK.js specializes in data visualization.
• Development: Babylon.js is authored by Microsoft, compared to the open-source community-driven VTK.js.
• Rendering: Babylon.js uses HTML5 and WebGL, VTK.js leverages WebGL and is working towards WebGPU support.
• Integration: Babylon.js provides a 3D engine and user code interpreted by supporting browsers, whereas VTK.js emphasizes web application integration.
• Animation: Babylon.js supports keyframe animations, while VTK.js offers timestep-based: animation handler for .vtkjs files.

What Is Babylon.js and Who’s It For?

Babylon.js is a real-time 3D engine developed by Microsoft and a community of contributors. It displays 3D graphics via HTML5 in web browsers. Conceived for applications ranging from virtual worlds to crime data visualization, medical education, and military training, it’s intended for developers, educators, and businesses seeking a reliable and flexible tool for creating engaging, immersive web-based experiences.

The engine authored by David Catuhe in 2013 now enjoys a stable release 5.3.0. The open-source nature and its widespread use make it suitable for developers aiming to design with modern 3D modeling standards. Babylon.js is also a fitting choice for educators continually looking for innovative means to facilitate learning.

Pros of Babylon.js

• Wide application ranging from virtual worlds to crime data visualization
• Open-source code with Apache License 2.0
• Provides photo-realistic images using physically-based rendering
• API accessible for user projects

Cons of Babylon.js

• Complexity can be daunting for novices
• Limited use of constructive solid geometry
• Dependent on browser support for HTML5 and WebGL

What Is VTK and Who’s It For?

VTK stands for Visualization Toolkit, an open-source software system for 3D computer graphics, image processing, and visualization. Adapted into a JavaScript implementation known as vtk.js, it serves developers, scientists, and researchers seeking to integrate an advanced visualization solution into their web applications.

Engineered with various visualization techniques and offering both WebGL and soon WebGPU support, VTK/vtk.js is intended for pioneers in fields like scientific research, medical data visualization, and virtual reality who require highly customizable, state-of-the-art visual processing tools.

Pros of VTK

• Supports various visualization algorithms
• Working towards VTK/C++ WebAssembly compilation for web integration
• Supports VR development applications
• Open to community contributions and feedback

Cons of VTK

• Somewhat limited filter set
• WebAssembly files may increase downloading time
• Requires knowledge of advanced coding standards

Babylon.js vs VTK.js: Pricing

Both Babylon.js and VTK.js are open-source technologies, making them free-of-cost for developers.

Babylon.js

Babylon.js, an impressive creation by Microsoft’s employees, is open to all. It’s a royalty-free, open-source 3D engine. The source code is available on GitHub – a symbol of its transparency. As it falls under the Apache License 2.0, you can use it to create your VR marvels without worrying about license fees or usage restrictions.

VTK.js

The Visualization Toolkit, abbreviated as VTK.js, emerges as another budget-friendly magic charm for developers. This open-source software, implemented in JavaScript, doesn’t apply any charges. It is actively developed with immense contributions from its community, keeps its arms wide open for bug fixings, filter contributions, and examples. Moreover, its pipeline infrastructure, multiple rendering advancements, and brute WebGL support glorify its tag of free-to-use software.

Code Examples for Babylon.js & VTK.js

Babylon.js

An example of using animate function to create a rotatory motion for a sphere. You’ll require the latest Babylon.js library to run this code.

let createScene = function() { let scene = new BABYLON.Scene(engine); let sphere = BABYLON.Mesh.CreateSphere("sphere", 10.0, 2.0, scene); let light = new BABYLON.PointLight("pointLight", new BABYLON.Vector3(1, 10, 0), scene); let camera = new BABYLON.ArcRotateCamera("camera", Math.PI / 4, Math.PI / 4, 4, sphere.position, scene); scene.activeCamera.attachControl(canvas, true); return scene; };
let engine; let scene; window.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function() { let canvas = document.getElementById("renderCanvas"); canvas.height = window.innerHeight; canvas.width = window.innerWidth; engine = new BABYLON.Engine(canvas, true); scene = createScene(); engine.runRenderLoop(function() { scene.render(); }); });
window.addEventListener("resize", function() { engine.resize(); });

VTK.js

A snippet that implements a cone shape using VTK.js. Please ensure you have the latest VTK.js library for its efficient execution.

const coneSource = vtk.ConeSource.newInstance({ height: 1.0, radius: 0.5, resolution: 60, });
const mapper = vtk.Mapper.newInstance(); mapper.setInputConnection(coneSource.getOutputPort());
const actor = vtk.Actor.newInstance(); actor.setMapper(mapper);
const renderer = vtk.Renderer.newInstance(); renderer.addActor(actor); renderer.resetCamera();
const renderWindow = vtk.RenderWindow.newInstance(); renderWindow.addRenderer(renderer);
const renderWindowInteractor = vtk.RenderWindowInteractor.newInstance();
renderWindowInteractor.setView(renderWindow); renderWindowInteractor.initialize(); renderWindowInteractor.start();

In conclusion, Babylon.js or VTK.js, which is superior?

Choosing between Babylon.js or VTK.js mainly hinges on usability, functionality, and the specific audience segment. Let’s delve into which is the right choice for your needs.

Web Developers

If you’re a web developer eyeing real time 3D engine capabilities within a web browser, Babylon.js provides a compelling proposition. Its use of TypeScript and JavaScript, frequent stable updates, and broad application in fields like virtual worlds, urban modelling, and education makes it a viable choice.

AR/VR Programmers

When it comes to VR development, VTK.js unarguably leverages advanced features — its Line Integral Convolution for vector field visualization, oriented bounding box (OBB) collision detection, and WebXR rendering target prop up its standout credentials for VR/AR programmers.

Data Visualization Experts

VTK.js reigns supreme for data visualization experts, it presents an extensive array of visualization algorithms, voxel, vector, scalar and more. Additionally, the possibility to create robust pipelines, its compatibility with ITK WebAssembly, and wide scope of filters makes this technology an optimal choice.

Open-source Contributors

For those drawn to open-source contributions, Babylon.js with its open-source Apache License 2.0 offers an inviting platform. Gaining traction continually, it has already amassed around 190 contributors globally with opportunities for enhancement and evolution.

Babylon.js offers comprehensive real-time 3D capabilities within browsers, a boon for web developers and open-source contributors. In contrast, VTK.js stands out for complex data visualization and VR development owing to its intricate visualization methods and VR support.