VRML Downloads & Worlds

VRML stands for Virtual Reality Modelling Language. Objects created using VRML are 3D and you can move around them and amongst them. Whole 3D worlds can be created that you can interact with. Each object created can be animated (VRML 2) and given its own characteristics. VRML is created as a simle ASCII text file that is interpreted by the VRML browser pluggin. Complex animations can be created by incorporating JAVA coding into the VRML file. VRML files have a .wrl file extension or .wrl.gz (Gzipped files which are compressed format files).

Think of VRML as a kind of 'solid' JAVA then you're not far off!.

The following links will help to get you started.

NOTE: you will need to have a recent browser such as Netscape 4.01 or IE. 4 or above.

Netscape 4.08 should have the Cosmoware browser pluggin.

You may find the following bits and pieces useful in the order that you will need them:

DOWNLOADS

DCOM:

These are a set of .DLL files (yeah, don't ask!) that allow scripts to be run over the internet.

COSMOPLAYER 2.1:

This is a VRML browser pluggin. It works best (from my experience) with Netscape. For some reason, the lighting effects are better. You will need Netscape 4.01 or higher - get it off a PC magazine or download it. Spend time offline getting used to it with the example files: "Chomp.html", get used to the browser controls or you'll get lost! There are other VRML browsers out there but this is being touted as a standard pluggin for all new versions of NETSCAPE so it's probably going to stick around.

VRML Repository:

The VRML repository will have an up to date spec. for VRML 2 files and various tutorials and links. A bit anorak-y, and Techy, but hey, you got this far without falling asleep!

VRML DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

SPAZZ3D:

This is one of the better development tools I've stumbled accross. Crap name but brilliant product! Very good tutorial note sthat will soon have you building animated 3D avatars. Includes various animation wizards that are very easy and versatile to use. This will explain away the mystery of 'nodes' in the accompanying tutorials.

Now have a look at 'TINX' the VRML Moggy above...

I should have a few more avatars for you soon.. Keep watching...