Wow! eBook
Programming with OpenSCAD: A Beginner's Guide to Coding 3D-Printable Objects
Author(s): Justin Gohde (Author), Marius Kintel (Author)
- Publisher: No Starch Press
- Publication Date: 28 Oct. 2021
- Language: English
- Print length: 206 pages
- ISBN-10: 159327954X
- ISBN-13: 9781593279547
Book Description
Programming with OpenSCAD is a STEM-focused, learn-to-code book for beginners that introduces core computational thinking concepts through the design of 3D-printable objects. Readers will develop coding skills as they build increasingly complex 3D models and print them into fun games, puzzles, and more.
OpenSCAD is free, open-source 3D modeling software with an easy-to-use programming interface that’s great for beginners because it lets you quickly view the results of your code. This book channels the platform’s user-friendliness into a STEM-focused, learn-to-code book that will teach you computational thinking and essential programming skills as you design multi-dimensional models with the OpenSCAD language.
Co-authored by the software’s primary creator, Marius Kintel, Programming with OpenSCAD offers clear, visual explanations and simple instructions for coding increasingly complex, 3D-printable objects. You’ll make and print fun games, cool puzzles and other mementos as your understanding of each concept is developed step-by-step, chapter by chapter. In addition, Design Time exercises throughout the book reinforce essential lessons, so you can practice your new programming skills and showcase the results as tangible, printed objects.
You’ll learn:
• OpenSCAD coding fundamentals, such as variables, loops, decisions, modules, debugging, RGB Colorspace, and libraries
• Basics of computational thinking (CT), including decomposition, parametric design, abstraction, and pattern recognition
• How to implement algorithms for coding and printing virtual 3D models
• 3D design concepts like Boolean operators, orthogonal views, XYZ axis, and constructing complex shapes
• STEAM coding practices that reinforce math, engineering, CT, and programming skills
Whether you’re a middle school student, STEM teacher, artist, or adult learner, this book will show you how to make sophisticated 3D projects that will, in turn, make you a real programmer.
Editorial Reviews
Review
–Ben Lutkevich, TechTarget
“A concise but thorough foundation in OpenSCAD in particular and coding in general. And how better to learn than from the primary developer of the system plus an educator? Grab the book and make something cool today.”
–Joan Horvath, author and co-founder Nonscriptum LLC
“Programming with OpenSCAD is a fast and clear reference for coders and designers who want to create parametric, customizable 3D models with OpenSCAD. Wait – you’ve never ever coded before? This book is for you too!! Everything is covered from the ground up in simple, friendly terms. OpenSCAD is a great entry point for coding and 3D modeling, and this book is an excellent guide and reference.”
–Dr. Laura Taalman (mathgrrl), 3D designer and professor of mathematics at James Madison University
“Programming with OpenSCAD is a great way to get started designing objects to be made with a 3D printer using OpenSCAD. It introduces each new concept in a clear and concise way, always avoiding using language features ahead of explaining them, and requires no previous programming experience. Each chapter has exercises to reinforce learning and these soon become interesting objects to print on a 3D printer, so it is also a great beginner’s introduction to 3D printing.”
–Chris “Nop Head” Palmer, author of NopSCADlib, RepRap Core Team member
“This book opens up OpenSCAD to new audiences (students, teachers, makers), by being a systematic introduction into using OpenSCAD with well thought out ‘design time’ and ‘big project’ practices. With the knowledge gained, readers can create their own 3D-Objects, which they then can print and share. While doing so, students learn to think in 3D-Space and the concepts of computers programming, while always having a concrete visual representation of the end result in mind, making the learning concrete.”
–Michael Frey, OpenSCAD Contributor
“A new language can be daunting, but this book gives you the fundamentals of 3D design and the techniques to easily create complex designs.”
–Michael “…AtOz” Marx, OpenSCAD Forum & Mailing-list Administrator
“The book is built to provide everyone at any level of proficiency a great introduction to 3D design using OpenSCAD. If you’re considering learning OpenSCAD, this book could provide the guidance necessary to get up to speed in short order.”
–Kerry Stevenson, Fabbaloo
“Highly recommended. A well-written, quick read that will get you going in no time!”
–Electronut Labs, @electronutLabs
“If you’re a complete newbie to using OpenSCAD, this would be a great book for you.”
–Pete Prodoehl, Rasterweb.net
