Free open-source software sketchbook
The Processing Foundation developed this app to help users learn how to code within visual arts in 2001. Initially, Casey Reas and Ben Fry developed it as a programming language, but since then, it has been used by thousands of people using Processing regularly to learn about the fascinating and complexity of programming. Processing is entirely free.
Overview
It can feel like a daunting task to learn the fundamentals of programming, especially when delving into more specific areas like visual arts. Processing is an accessible solution to this problem, with no fees and an utterly open-source platform. It’s perfect for schools, students, and anyone.
Although it emphasizes visuals, it teaches all the essential elements you’ll find at a university computer science class. You can draw sketches in Processing in both 2D and 3D.
The program boasts about its simple text editor for any code that you’ll write and various other features for programming software; it’s called the Processing Development Environment, or PDE. You can start writing your code by using the RUN command.
Features
The program features include 100+ libraries that were developed by the community and allow users to do things like play sounds and use advanced 3D geometry. It also has OpenGL integration for accelerated 3D and 2D and programs with SVG, PDF, 2D, and 3D output.
Additional resources
There’s a lot of helpful information that you can find online that you can use for aid. You can find books, tutorials, and examples on the Processing Foundation website.
Our take
Processing is a great free solution for Windows and the program is packed with useful features. It has developed exponentially over the years.
Should you download it?
Yes, if you’re looking for an available learning solution for programming visuals, you should give it a try.
