Step
What it is
Step is a free Linux desktop application for exploring physical systems through interactive simulations. Users can change body and force properties, including while a simulation runs. Supported models include two-dimensional classical mechanics, molecular dynamics, sound waves, and deformable bodies, with particles, damped springs, gravitational and Coulomb forces, rigid bodies, and collision handling. Step calculates unit conversions, expressions, error propagation, and solver error estimates. Explicit and implicit solvers reach eighth order, with optional adaptive timesteps; most solvers require GSL. Graph, meter, and tracer tools display results, while a controller adjusts properties during a run through custom keyboard shortcuts. Tutorials, example experiments, object information, and an integrated Wikipedia browser provide learning material. More examples can be downloaded with KNewStuff. Expression calculations such as unit conversion require libqalculate. Step is GPL-2.0+ software, and its StepCore library can be used separately in code or other software. The listed release is Step 26.08.2, released 2026-10-08.
For and against
For
- Free GPL-2.0+ Linux desktop application
- Editable bodies and forces during simulation
- Supports several physical simulation types
- Includes tutorials and example experiments
- Solvers up to eighth order
Against
- Linux only
- Most solvers require GSL
- Expression calculations require libqalculate
- No 3D visuals
The verdict
Step combines editable simulations, calculation tools, visualization, and learning resources in a free Linux package. Its dependency requirements and lack of 3D visuals are important considerations.
Who it suits
Step suits Linux users learning or exploring physics through editable simulations. It is also useful for educators and developers who need example experiments or the separate StepCore library.
Plans and prices
Step
GPL-2.0+ · Linux
Read 11 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
On the record
- Additional experiments
- More example experiments can be downloaded with KNewStuff.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Authoring tools
- Yesapps.kde.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Calculations
- Step can calculate unit conversions, expressions, error propagation, and solver error estimates.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Delivery mode
- desktopapps.kde.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Dependency
- Expression calculations such as unit conversion require libqalculate.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Experiment editing
- Users can change body and force properties, including while a simulation is running.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Forces and objects
- Supported elements include particles, damped springs, gravitational and Coulomb forces, rigid bodies, and collision handling.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The page lists Step 26.08.2, released 2026-10-08.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Learning resources
- The application includes tutorials, example experiments, object context information, and an integrated Wikipedia browser.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Lesson library
- Yesapps.kde.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Library
- StepCore is the underlying physical simulation library and can be used without Step in code or other software requiring simulation functionality.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- License
- Step is listed under the GPL-2.0+ license.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Step is an interactive physical simulator for exploring the physical world through simulations.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Simulation types
- It supports two-dimensional classical mechanics, molecular dynamics, sound waves, and deformable bodies.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Solver options
- It offers explicit and implicit solvers up to 8th order, with or without adaptive timesteps; most solvers require GSL.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- Help is available through the Step Handbook, KDE forum, the kde-edu mailing list, and the #kde-edu Libera.chat channel.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- 3D visuals
- Noapps.kde.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Visualization and controls
- Graph, meter, and tracer tools visualize results, and a controller tool can adjust properties during simulation using custom keyboard shortcuts.apps.kde.org · read 11 Oct 2026
