One of the best software out there in visual effect. All the studio I know all uses Houdini for VFX work. Constant revision and updates

Compared to the constantly changing interface of Maya, Houdini has proven to be extremely easy to use and easy to learn. The functions all work extremely well and it can handle a wide range of physics-based elements. There are plenty of tutorials online if you're willing to look for them.

The software is extremely powerful for anything procedural. The node-based workflow is consistent throughout the program so when you learn one aspect of the software you can take that knowledge to another. This means that once you learn how to work with the nodes for fluid dynamics, you can take that knowledge and use them on textures, It has limitless possibilities due to its procedural nature and powerful engine. Houdini Digital Assets can be exported and used like plugins inside other programs. These plugins are run in the Houdini Engine inside of programs like Maya and Cinema 4D. Mantra rendering engine is very powerful and gives great results with a little tweaking.