How PD is related to Max/MSP and jMax?
PD is close relative to Max/MSP. Max was in former times a midi only system and always needed external synthesizers to generate sound. Later the MSP library was added to generate sounds in realtime. PD, Max and Max/MSP was programmed amoung others by Miller Puckette. All this software have a realtime kernel which is controlled by a grafical user interface. PD uses TCL/TK and jMax Java to implement the graphics. While PD and jMax are free, Max/MSP is distributed commercially by Cycling 74. But on the other hand it is the most complete package and offers more features like a vast range of user interface elements, vst plugin integration and the possibility to create VST and RTAS Plugins and standalone applications which are allowed to be sold (Pluggo was made with this). While for PD GEM is offerd, Max/MSP grafic library is called Jitter and sold seperatly.
