FDTDX vs Open Source Physics
FDTDX
fdtdx.readthedocs.ioOpen Source Physics
compadre.orgSide by side
| Figure | FDTDX | Open Source Physics |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.6 (#12) | 8.1 (#27) |
| Audience | The project presents FDTDX for research, development, and commercial use in photonic nanostructure simulation and design. | OSP describes its project as a group of physicists and educators providing computer-based curricular resources for students. |
| Authoring tools | Yes | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | desktop | hybrid |
| Lesson library | No | Yes |
| Purpose | FDTDX is an open-source Python package for simulating and designing three-dimensional photonic nanostructures with the Finite-Difference Time-Domain method. | The OSP Collection provides curriculum resources that engage students in physics, computation, and computer modeling. |
| Support | The FAQ invites users to open GitHub discussions for unanswered questions and issues for suspected bugs, and says the maintainers regularly check discussions. | OSP directs users to its feedback form or [email protected] for staff contact, and lists a technical questions discussion link. |
| 3D visuals | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
Open Source Physics
Open Source Physics is a free, open-source resource for physics learning and teaching. It offers a lesson library and authoring tools, with 3D visuals, offline access, and data export. The combination supports both browsing learning materials and creating them. Its listed platforms are web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and its delivery mode is hybrid. Offline access is specifically listed, alongside the web and desktop and mobile platforms. The project is listed as founded in 2002, as is its maker, Open Source Physics. The pricing model is free, and the pricing note identifies the resource as open source. Data export is included among its capabilities. Readers can weigh the library and authoring tools against its broad range of platform options when considering it for physics education.