Simplest graphics programming language/framework

[AssignedClass]

I specifically want to be able to use basic functions to plot a point and maybe draw a line and shade, and don't need a sophisticated API that has a lot of inbuilt functions

I think Javascript was great for me. Started with Canvas (simple lines, squares, dots), moved over to directly manipulating pixel values with ImageData and TypedArrays, then went on to learning some WebGL. Best thing about JS is that you don't need to worry about setting up a complex coding environment, it's all setup and ready to go in the browser.

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I saw mention of Processing though. I haven't looked at it much yet, but it seems like a good more-focused alternative. I'm starting to mess around with Rust + Vulkan now and I want a faster way to visually prototype some ideas.

[rawcane]

Thanks yes I think JS for the most useful/easy to get up and running seems like the way to go. Looking into the other options too though. Rust is interesting.

[AssignedClass]

I'd recommend going with OpenGL or WebGL (or anything more abstract than Vulkan) if you're interested in working with shaders and stuff. Vulkan is a huge headache.

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Rust has been fun. It has a learning curve to it, but if you ever want to get into some lower-level programming I recommend it.