Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, and video games. It supports the entire 3D pipeline including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking. Developed by the Blender Foundation, it is widely used by artists, developers, and hobbyists for professional and personal projects.
Developers should learn Blender when working on projects involving 3D graphics, such as game development, virtual reality applications, architectural visualization, or film production, as it provides a comprehensive suite of tools for creating and manipulating 3D assets. It is particularly valuable for indie developers and small teams due to its zero-cost licensing and active community support, enabling rapid prototyping and asset creation without financial barriers.