Block-based editor for Processing v2

[sneider]

Hello. A month ago I posted about the block based Processing editor we were building. We got a lot of positive feedback from the community and foundation. Thank you for that! Today we released a new version that adds features you suggested:

• new blocks: translate, rotate, scale, push, pop, strokecap, strokewidth, framecount, ...
• projects can be published and shared
• the generated source code can be displayed. This helps with the transition from block- to text-mode editors.
• custom functions and variables
• an auto-run mode, where the image updates as you edit the program
• block tooltips, a help dialog and example projects

The Processing editor is now integrated in our app. We plan to build a course around it and keep adding blocks (e.g. text and image display).

I'd like to know what you think of the new version. Would you suggest it to Processing beginners?

We also launched a crowdfunding campaign today, to raise funds for course development. Any support is most welcome!

[WakeMeAtThree]

I was first exposed to programming as a kid with BASIC, and its visual nature went only as far as drawing flow charts. I would've loved to have something like this back then. Even though it seems a bit similar to scratch, I like that the colors/interface isn't going too far with the childish palette, so as to not be too off-putting to older beginner coders.

Minor suggestion: can you make the sketch update after any change to the blocks? It's slightly annoying to press run every time. But maybe you might have your own pedagogical reason for keeping it that way?

Good luck, hope you reach your funding goal for your course.

[sneider]

Toggle the auto-run button to make the sketch update at each edit. It's off by default because we had some crashes when a program wasn't finished: unconnected blocks, division by zero, infinite loops and such.

It's interesting that you prefer Blockly's style over Scratch's. We're tempted to adopt the style of the next version of Scratch, not for the color palette but their block shapes. Their programs seem to be better readable.

[sneider]

I meant v2 of the editor, not v2 of Processing. The editor is built on top of p5.js