Virtual Reality Application Development with Python
Christos Manolas, Ourania K. Xanthidou, Dimitrios Xanthidis · 2022
Admittedly, Python may not be the most popular or obvious programming language choice when it comes to Virtual Reality application and content development. This is partially due to the computationally-heavy nature of the task, calling for low level access to the inner workings of the hardware through languages like C++. However, for certain types of VR applications and in the right context, using Python scripting is both a viable and user-friendly option and an excellent introduction to the world of VR development. Currently, a number of platforms either support or exclusively use Python for this purpose. In the context of this chapter, one of these platforms (i.e., Vizard) is utilized in order to introduce how Python can be used in the context of VR. This chapter firstly introduces some essential concepts of Virtual Reality content and application development and the related tools, platforms and technologies. Next, the focus shifts specifically on the use of Python scripting in the context of VR development and prototyping. The various sections move from very basic, essential aspects of VR development to some of the more challenging ones from a conceptual viewpoint, always through the lens of using Python as a development tool. Ultimately, this chapter aims to introduce some basic concepts of VR development using the accessible, user-friendly programming environment of Python.