# Cantera

> Software for chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and transport phenomena

**Wikidata**: [Q1033721](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1033721)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantera_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cantera

## Summary
Cantera is a software package designed for the simulation of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena. It is distributed as free software, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and its modified versions. Cantera supports multiple programming languages and runs on various operating systems, making it a versatile tool for scientific applications.

## Key Facts
*   Cantera is software for chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena.
*   It is classified as free software, distributed under BSD licenses.
*   Cantera is developed in the United Kingdom.
*   It supports programming languages such as Python, Fortran, and MATLAB.
*   Cantera runs on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS operating systems.
*   The latest stable version provided is 2.4.0, released on August 24, 2018.
*   Its official website is https://cantera.org/.
*   The source code repository is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/Cantera/Cantera.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cantera used for?
A: Cantera is used for scientific applications, specifically for simulating chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena. It helps model and understand complex chemical and physical processes.

### Q: What programming languages can be used with Cantera?
A: Cantera supports integration with several general-purpose programming languages, including Python, Fortran, and MATLAB.

### Q: On which operating systems can Cantera run?
A: Cantera is designed to run on multiple operating systems, including Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS.

### Q: What type of license does Cantera use?
A: Cantera is distributed under BSD licenses, which classify it as free software, allowing users broad freedoms to use, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: Where can I find the source code for Cantera?
A: The source code for Cantera is available on its repository hosted on GitHub, at https://github.com/Cantera/Cantera.

## Why It Matters
Cantera plays a crucial role in scientific and engineering research by providing a robust and flexible platform for simulating complex chemical and physical processes. Its ability to model chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena is essential for understanding and optimizing systems in fields such as combustion, materials science, atmospheric chemistry, and energy conversion. As free software, Cantera lowers barriers to entry for researchers and students worldwide, fostering collaboration and innovation. Its support for popular programming languages like Python, Fortran, and MATLAB ensures broad accessibility and integration into existing computational workflows, empowering users to develop sophisticated models and gain deeper insights into reactive flows and material behavior.

## Notable For
*   **Comprehensive Simulation Capabilities**: Specifically designed for chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena, offering a focused toolset for these complex scientific domains.
*   **Free Software Model**: Distributed under BSD licenses, making it freely available for use, study, modification, and distribution, which promotes widespread adoption and community contributions.
*   **Multi-Language Support**: Provides interfaces for popular programming languages including Python, Fortran, and MATLAB, enhancing its versatility and integration into diverse computational environments.
*   **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Operates across major operating systems such as Linux, Microsoft Windows, and macOS, ensuring broad accessibility for users regardless of their preferred computing environment.

## Body

### Overview
Cantera is a specialized software package dedicated to the simulation of chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena. It is utilized in scientific contexts to model and analyze complex chemical and physical processes.

### Technical Specifications
Cantera supports several programming languages, enabling users to interact with its functionalities through:
*   Python (inception: 1991-02-20)
*   Fortran (inception: 1957)
*   MATLAB (inception: 1970)

The software is compatible with a range of operating systems:
*   Linux (inception: 1991-09-17)
*   Microsoft Windows (inception: 1985-11-20)
*   macOS (inception: 2001-03-24)

The source code repository for Cantera is located at https://github.com/Cantera/Cantera.

### Licensing and Availability
Cantera is classified as free software and is distributed under BSD licenses. This allows users the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software and its modified versions. The project originates from the United Kingdom.

### Development and Versions
Cantera has undergone continuous development, with several stable versions released over time. Notable stable versions include:
*   Version 2.4.0, released on 2018-08-24.
*   Version 2.3.0, released on 2017-01-19.
*   Version 2.2.1, released on 2016-01-26.
*   Version 2.2.0, released on 2015-06-05.
*   Version 2.1.2, released on 2015-04-06.
*   Version 2.1.1, released on 2015-04-06.
*   Version 2.1.0, released on 2015-04-06.
*   Version 2.0.2, released on 2015-04-06.
*   Version 2.0.1, released on 2015-04-06.
*   Version 2.0.0, released on 2015-04-06.

The earliest publication date provided is 2004-12-13.

### External Identifiers
Cantera is identified by:
*   A Freebase ID: /m/065zdjf
*   A Golden ID: Cantera_(software)-DVDXZB
*   A Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued): 2779389881

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## References

1. [Release 2.3.0. 2017](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.3.0)
2. [Release 2.2.1. 2016](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.2.1)
3. [Release 2.2.0. 2015](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.2.0)
4. [Release 2.1.2. 2015](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.1.2)
5. [Release 2.1.1. 2015](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.1.1)
6. [Release 2.1.0. 2015](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.1.0)
7. [Release 2.0.2. 2015](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.0.2)
8. [Release 2.0.1. 2015](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.0.1)
9. [Release 2.0.0. 2015](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.0.0)
10. [Release 2.4.0. 2018](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.4.0)
11. [Release 2.5.1. 2021](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.5.1)
12. [Release 2.6.0. 2022](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v2.6.0)
13. [Release 3.0.0. 2023](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v3.0.0)
14. [Release 3.1.0. 2024](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v3.1.0)
15. [Release 3.2.0. 2025](https://github.com/Cantera/cantera/releases/tag/v3.2.0)
16. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/Cantera/Cantera)
17. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Cantera_(software)-DVDXZB)