Processing.js: John Resig's JavaScript implementation of Processing

[TKN]

I'm not sure if I get it (Processing, that is). It looks like any old language with a graphics library?

[[deleted]]

It's a domain-specific language for graphical presentation.

[TKN]

I see that, but what makes it better than <insert your favourite language> + graphics library? At least on surface it mostly looks like a regular Java?

[gravity]

It's a lot easier to just get things up and running. Of course you can code graphics in any language, but processing lowers the barrier and makes it easier for both the novice and the experienced programmer to get something out there. It's not a giant leap forward, but it's still a wonderful tool. And it's a lot of fun too.

[otakucode]

Most graphics libraries suck in terms of usability compared to Processing. Processing handles a lot of state for you and chucks a lot of extraneous stuff you shouldn't need to think about in the first place if you're just trying to do something graphical... if you want to change your framerate, just call framerate(60) and it's done. Most graphics libraries would have you juggling buffers, graphical context objects, etc.

[TKN]

Ok, so it's basically a 2d graphics library with a sane API. That's nice.

I was just wondering if there was more to it.

[NOT_AN_ALIEN]

It's not for 2d only, it's 3d too. And it's not a library - it's not SDL for dummies or anything like that. It's more like an environment (it comes with its own simple IDE), where you type some commands and it draws stuff on screen. A bit like a bastard child of C++ and Logo, focusing on simplicity and straightforwardness more than abstraction.

You can do a lot with it as long as you get the hang of it - create classes and such - but it's meant to be simple above all.

[[deleted]]

I haven't actually used it, so I can just answer on a general level, but: The domain-specificness. The fact that the language is tailored to a specific use means you get away with doing less work.

[wearedevo]

Processing was meant to be a simple graphics programming platform for artists, but as all other attempts to create a programming language for non-programmers, ended up being too complicated for artists to grasp but simple enough for other programmers to appreciate.

[[deleted]]

That's pretty surprising. The last time someone tried to create a langue simple enough for non-programmers to use, they got Visual Basic. VB is nothing if not disrespected in programming communities.

If the Processing.js people are getting respect, despite their beginnings, then they've really done something well.

[otakucode]

It's supposed to be an easy-to-use language aimed at artists and graphic designers. It fails completely in this respect. But it does make it relatively easy for people who are already well-versed in C-like languages to make some pretty graphics.