Difference between Geometry Nodes and Cycles Shader Nodes?

[zeroskilz]

@Orange_Cat

Can Geometry Nodes do everything that Cycles Shader Nodes do?

No - they have very specific use-cases.

@Orange_Cat

What are their main differences?

Shader nodes apply materials to geometry. Geometry nodes alter existing geometry or generate new geometry.

@Orange_Cat

Can Geometry Nodes replace Cycles Shader Nodes in the future?

Doubt it - since they do different things.

@Orange_Cat

Geometry Nodes are set of nodes that manipulate imported objects from the scene, Geometry Nodes don’t have anything to do with Math.

In both cases Math is essential. To get the most out of GN it helps to know Vector math at a minimum.

@Orange_Cat

Are Geometry Nodes attracting more users because they are way less complicated and have more things to work with?

No - a lot of users complain about how obtuse and difficult they are to work with. They are attracting people because you can do amazing things with it.

Hope that helped.