Processing
Processing is an open-source graphical library and integrated development environment built for the electronic arts, new media art, and visual design communities with the purpose of teaching non-programmers the fundamentals of computer programming in a visual context.
visual-programming
creative-coding
graphics
animation
Processing: An Open-Source Visual Development Environment
An open-source graphical library and integrated development environment for teaching non-programmers the basics of computer programming in a visual context, popular among electronic arts, new media art, and visual design communities.
What is Processing?
Processing is an open-source computer programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) built for the electronic arts, new media art, and visual design communities with the purpose of teaching non-programmers the fundamentals of computer programming in a visual context.
Processing uses a simplified syntax based on the Java language, but uses a graphics API based on Java2D and OpenGL that allows for easier manipulation of images and graphics. The Processing IDE includes a text editor for writing code, a message area, a text console, a toolbar with buttons for common functions, and multiple syntax highlighting themes.
Key features of Processing include:
- Simplified programming syntax optimized for visual arts and graphical applications
- Smooth learning curve for artists, designers, educators and students with little to no programming experience
- Powerful graphics and image processing capabilities
- Exported programs run cross-platform without modifications
- Hundreds of freely available examples, libraries and tutorials to modularize functionality
- Large, active and supportive community for sharing ideas and techniques
Processing allows users to create anything from interactive animations and games to analyzing data and prototyping user interfaces. It promotes software literacy within the visual arts and offers a foundation for programming concepts that can be expanded upon later.
Processing Features
Features
- Graphical programming language and IDE
- Built on Java and can integrate Java code
- 2D and 3D graphics rendering
- Image/video processing and analysis
- Sound synthesis and analysis
- Data visualization
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Easy to learn for non-programmers
Large community support
Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Free and open source
Cons
Limited to Java ecosystem
Not suitable for large applications
Steep learning curve for advanced features
Official Links
The Best Processing Alternatives
Top Development and Programming Languages & Development Tools and other similar apps like Processing
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