Processing (programming language)

Overview

Processing is an open-source programming language and integrated development environment (IDE) built for the electronic arts, new media art, and visual design communities. It was developed to serve as a software sketchbook and a teaching tool, making it easier for non-programmers to learn the fundamentals of computer programming in a visual context. Processing is based on Java, but it simplifies the syntax and provides a more accessible entry point for artists and designers.

History

Processing was initiated in 2001 by Casey Reas and Ben Fry, both of whom were students at the MIT Media Lab. The project aimed to create a language that bridged the gap between programming and visual arts, providing a platform for artists to experiment with code in a creative way. Since its inception, Processing has grown into a robust community with numerous contributors and has been used in various educational contexts worldwide.

Features

Processing offers a range of features that make it particularly suited for visual arts and design:

**Simplified Syntax**: Processing abstracts many of the complexities of Java, allowing users to focus on the creative aspects of coding without getting bogged down by technical details.

**Graphics Library**: At its core, Processing includes a powerful graphics library that supports 2D and 3D graphics, enabling users to create complex visualizations with relative ease.

**Built-in IDE**: The Processing IDE is designed to be user-friendly, providing a straightforward interface for writing, testing, and debugging code.

**Extensibility**: Processing supports a wide range of libraries and tools that extend its capabilities, including libraries for sound, video, and networking.

**Cross-Platform**: Processing runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Programming Environment

The Processing IDE is a simple text editor with features tailored to the needs of artists and designers. It includes a console for output, a toolbar for common actions, and a sketchbook for organizing projects. The IDE supports syntax highlighting and error checking, which are essential for beginners learning to code.

Sketches

In Processing, programs are referred to as "sketches." A sketch typically consists of two main functions: `setup()` and `draw()`. The `setup()` function runs once when the program starts, while the `draw()` function continuously executes the code within it, allowing for dynamic and interactive graphics.

Example Code

A simple Processing sketch might look like this:

```java void setup() {

 size(400, 400);
 background(255);

}

void draw() {

 ellipse(mouseX, mouseY, 50, 50);

} ```

This code creates a window of 400x400 pixels with a white background and draws an ellipse that follows the mouse cursor.

Libraries and Tools

Processing's functionality can be extended through libraries, which add new features and capabilities. Some popular libraries include:

**ControlP5**: A library for creating user interfaces with sliders, buttons, and other controls.
**Toxiclibs**: A collection of libraries for computational design, including geometry, physics, and color manipulation.
**Sound**: A library for sound synthesis and analysis.

Processing also supports exporting sketches as Java applets, standalone applications, or JavaScript for web deployment.

Community and Usage

Processing has a vibrant community of artists, designers, educators, and developers who contribute to its ecosystem. The Processing Foundation, a non-profit organization, supports the development and maintenance of Processing and its related projects.

Processing is widely used in educational settings to teach programming and computational thinking. Its visual nature makes it particularly appealing for students who might not be interested in traditional programming courses. Additionally, Processing is used in professional contexts for creating interactive installations, data visualizations, and generative art.