If you’re chasing agility in creating interactive 3D graphics for the web, Three.js is your go-to. For heavy-duty visualization in scientific and medical fields, or if you’re seeking advanced WebGPU support, VTK.js should be your pick.
Key Differences Between Three.js and VTK.js
Coding Language: Both use JavaScript, but Three.js also uses GLSL.
Usage: Three.js is commonly used for 3D modelling and animation in web browsers, while VTK.js is used primarily for scientific and medical image processing and visualization.
WebGL: Three.js is integrated with WebGL 1.0. VTK.js leverages WebGL and is gearing up for WebGPU support.
VR Support: Both support VR, but Three.js utilizes WebXR whereas VTK.js uses the OpenVR standard.
Contributions: Three.js has a substantial Github contributor base (over 1700), while VTK.js development is more centralized, yet open to contributions.
Comparison
Three.js
VTK.js
Languages
JavaScript, GLSL
JavaScript (ES6)
Type
JavaScript library
ES6 class library for web application integration
License
MIT
Open-source
Primary Use
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics, image processing, visualization
WebGL Support
Yes
Yes
WebGPU Support
No
Ongoing improvements
AR/VR Support
Yes (Via WebXR)
Yes (Via OpenVR)
Contributor Invites
No
Yes, for bug fixes, examples, and new visualization filters.
What Is Three.js and Who’s It For?
Three.js is a potent JavaScript library hosted on GitHub that creates 3D computer graphics, which are displayed in web browsers. Born from the ingenuity of its original author, Ricardo Cabello in April 2010, the tool remarkably bridges the gap between 3D animations and JavaScript, eliminating the need for browser plugins. The appeal of Three.js is its easy-to-use, browser agnostic, GPU-accelerated 3D animations. It is mainly targeted at developers looking to effortlessly create complex, web-based 3D animations.
Pros of Three.js
Built with JavaScript, ensuring wide compatibility
Allows GPU-accelerated 3D animations
Supports Virtual and Augmented Reality via WebXR
Cons of Three.js
This requires understanding of advanced programming concepts
May not support all browser versions as it relies on WebGL
Learning curve might be steep for new developers
What Is VTK (Visualization Toolkit) and Who’s It For?
VTK, an open-source software, stands at the forefront of 3D computer graphic generation, image processing, and visualization. Recently, it’s been implemented in JavaScript as vtk.js to leverage WebGL, with an added layer of WebGPU support on the horizon. Primarily aimed at developers creating integrative web applications requiring robust visualization algorithms, VTK offers scalar, vector, tensor, texture, and volumetric methods of visualization. vtk.js also has a significant role in VR development, with applications such as ParaView and 3D Slicer for scientific and medical data visualization, respectively.
Pros of VTK
Supports range of visualization algorithms
Open to user contributions for improvement
Successfully transfers VTK/C++ capabilities to pure JavaScript build as vtk.js
Cons of VTK
Filter set is limited
May increase downloading time if using WebAssembly files
Complex type definitions may be daunting for beginners
Three.js vs VTK.js: Pricing
Two potent JavaScript libraries on the race track, yet the game of price tagging doesn’t come into play, as both of them are open-source, so strap in, enjoy the ride, and pay nothing.
Three.js
Get your hands on Three.js without a penny tossed. It’s open source, upheld by MIT License. That’s the beauty of benevolence in the tech domain— the full package for free. Whether you’re zooming into virtual realities or igniting high-level WebGL animations, there’s no invoice waiting to shock you from another dimension.
VTK.js
Follow the same frugal but fruitful path with VTK.js. Enjoy the liberty of laser-precise 3D graphics, image processing, advanced visualization algorithms, collision detections, and VR quests. All of these without rummaging for your credit card. This open-source arsenal, aimed to intensify the face of web application integration, is set for grasp freely.
Three.js vs VTK.js: The Verdict
Both Three.js and VTK.js have their strengths and spheres of application. The choice truly depends on your specific needs. Let us delve into the specifics for different audience segments:
Virtual Reality Developers
Three.js should be your go-to with its robust WebXR support. Made easy for GPU-accelerated 3D animations and dynamic geometries, it’s a no-brainer for those looking to push the boundaries of immersive VR experiences.
Web Application Developers
When it comes to integration in web applications, VTK.js shines. Built as an ES6 class library, and with an ever-improving WebGPU support, VTK.js is designed to blend seamlessly into your web environment.
Scientific Visualization Enthusiasts
Drenched knee-deep in data? Choose VTK.js. It holds a prominent spot in medical and scientific visualization, with its remarkable array of filters, and consistent updates for algorithms concerning scalar, vector, and tensor visualization.
JavaScript Purists
For seasoned JavaScript developers insistent on harnessing the raw power of the language, Three.js is your ideal companion. Its cross compatibility with WebGL 1.0 and latest version using WebGL 2.0 by default makes it an attractive proposition.
In summary, Three.js reigns in the gaming and AR/VR scene with its powerful GPU-accelerated 3D animations. VTK.js makes a strong case for itself in the domain of scientific visualization with its exhaustive visualization algorithms and web application integration. Make your pick, there are no wrong choices here.
Logan Bellbrook
Content writer @ Aircada with a knack for nature & AR/VR/XR. Blogging the intersection of tech & terrain.
