General Preparation

You can use multiple programming languages with Panda3D. The most commonly used language is Python, followed by C++. Some manual pages offer both C++ and Python information - use the toggle button at the top of the manual page to toggle between C++ information and Python information.

You are currently viewing the Python version of the manual. If you wish to view the C++ version instead, click the “C++” link at the top-left corner of this page.

Learning Python

Since Panda3D is a library, and not a point-n-click game maker, it is needed to learn Python or C++ before you will be able to use it. Since this engine’s main goal is to support Python, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with Python before continuing.

Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented language comparable to Java or Perl. It is available on several platforms, including UNIX, Windows, OS/2, and Mac. Python also has a large number of modules outside of the standard Python installation, and additional modules can be created in C or C++. Because it is late-binding and requires minimal memory management, it is an ideal language for rapid prototyping.

The Copy of Python that comes with Panda

On Windows, it is not necessary to install Python, because the Windows installer for Panda3D includes a copy. This is a completely normal copy of Python, identical to what you would have if you installed Python using the standard Python installer. Panda’s built-in copy of Python is automatically added to the PATH environment variable. This enables you to type “python” at the command prompt, and it will run the Python that comes with Panda.

On macOS, Python 2.7 already comes pre-installed on your system, which will work with Panda3D. However, it is recommended to install a newer version of Python from https://www.python.org/downloads/mac-osx/ .

What if I already have a copy of Python?

If you already have a copy of Python, and you wish to use that instead of the one provided with Panda3D, it is easy to do so. Simply create a “panda.pth” file inside your copy of Python, containing the path of the panda directory and the bin directory within it on separate lines (for example C:\Panda3D-1.10.14-x64 and C:\Panda3D-1.10.14-x64\bin). This will enable your copy of Python to find the Panda3D libraries.

For this to work, the version of Python that you use must match the version of Python included with Panda3D. The Panda3D libraries are compiled for that particular version, and will not work with any other.

Of course, if you do use your own copy of Python, you may wish to delete Panda3D’s copy of Python, or at least, remove it from the PATH environment variable. Otherwise, you will have two copies of Python, which can lead to confusion.

Python Programming Resources

There are a lot of other resources available for programming in Python. Here is a list of some of the best:

Links from the official Python website:

Here are some other good links for learning Python: