PyMOL (Molecular Modeling Software)

⚛️ PyMOL: Molecular Visualization and Structure Analysis System PyMOL is a sophisticated molecular visualization system primarily used in structural biology to generate high-quality 3D renderings of proteins and other macromolecules. Originally developed by Warren Lyford DeLano in 2000 using the Python programming language, the software is now maintained and commercialized by Schrödinger, Inc. While the program transitioned from a purely open-source model to a proprietary license, much of the source code remains accessible to the scientific community for modification and study. The tool is compatible across multiple operating systems and features a graphical user interface built on the Qt framework. In addition to visualization, it includes specialized features like element-based coloring and tools for preparing molecular structures for quantum chemistry calculations. Today, it remains a standard utility for researchers needing to visualize complex biological data through cartoon, surface, and ribbon models.