Need advice on what language to use to create a 3D graph.

JonTheBaller

Golden Member
Dec 2, 2002
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I was asked to write a piece of software which takes data and makes it into a 3D graph. The details of the software aren't important, just that I get some data, do some calculations to convert it into coordinate form, and then plot it. The bottom line is that I would like to be able to use a built-in or 3rd party library, other source code, etc. in my own code that given a coordinate in the form (x,y,z), it could plot a point, draw a line between two points, or color in an area which is bounded by a set of lines. I would rather not have to write my own code to do this, though if I do I would also like advice as far as how to maintain the "3d" look. I'm most familiar with C++ and Java, though I wonder if one of the members of the Visual Studio family would be best for a task like this because of the ability to rapidly develop the user interface. It was asked that the software be a standalone Windows application, but if a Web-based approached is feasible then I might suggest this. On the other hand, I am not familiar with any graphics capabilities in programming, so treat me as a newbie in terms of that.

I hope I have been clear in my question. If I have not, please ask away! :D

I forgot to mention, the final product should look something like this:

Example
 

JonTheBaller

Golden Member
Dec 2, 2002
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Can you recommend what Java classes will let me do this stuff? Also, is there any chance I can use Visual Basic or Visual C++?

I forgot to mention, the final product should look something like this:

Example
 

Kyteland

Diamond Member
Dec 30, 2002
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This is actually very easy to do in OpenGL using C++. Take a look at this site for tutorials on how to do this kind of stuff in OpenGL. If you are working on linux then glut or fltk make good windowing toolkits.
 

JonTheBaller

Golden Member
Dec 2, 2002
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Originally posted by: Kyteland
This is actually very easy to do in OpenGL using C++. Take a look at this site for tutorials on how to do this kind of stuff in OpenGL. If you are working on linux then glut or fltk make good windowing toolkits.

What language is the best for combining OpenGL with rapid GUI development?