What is Grasshopper?
Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor that works with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools allowing users to create algorithmic/generative forms in Rhino – without having to use RhinoScript or have knowledge of programming.
Normally when modeling in Rhino, the numbers generating the drawn forms are internal to the Rhino software system and the user does not have access to those numbers. With Grasshopper, the designer defines the parameters (i.e. numbers) hence the term parametric modeling. This allows external data to be used to model the elevation of terrain or to introduce variation to a building facade, i.e. generative modeling.
The interface of Grasshopper visually looks like MAX/MSP. Components of the program are linked together and sliders allow the user to change the parameters. This allows components of the model to be adjusted in relationship to each other. Visual programming within a drag and drop interface allows the user to create algorithmic forms without writing script and to immediately see the result of adjustments.
Grasshopper has basic built-in math functions and can be used with programming languages such as Python, C# and VB. External data can also be used including JSON allowing for conditional design. Grasshopper is slowly replacing Python scripting in Rhino.
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