Re: [-empyre-] Re: empyre Digest, Vol 12, Issue 26

[Marius Watz <marius@unlekker.net>]

ian hobbs wrote:
> Yes processing is a fun little application -  although I suspect for 
> introductory programming,
> It's not going to make the grade. I use flash and actionscript for 
> introductory programing
> because of it's verbose and natural ( like english) syntax.
>
> Processing is one of many cute little graphic apps that produce narrow 
> visual expressions.

I can't say I understand or agree with either of the two statements above. 
Firstly, Processing is perfect for introductory programming. Secondly, 
Processing is not a "graphic app", nor does it produce a narrow visual 
expression.

I've been using Processing as a tool to teach computational design and 
generative form to students with a primarily visual background. Because of 
its simplified Java syntax it allows beginners to get coding within 
minutes, without having to learn about compilers, IDEs or a complicated 
environment like Flash. Students can then gradually advance to more 
abstract concepts like advanced data structures and object oriented 
programming. There are now a number of people developing extensions to the 
Processing libraries by providing "plug-in" classes with new functionality.

One of the central concepts behind Processing is to make students "unlearn" 
the hardwired software metaphors of environments like Flash, Director or 
Photoshop. Instead, one starts from scratch. This has the virtue of 
allowing many possible expressions, although it might be limiting for 
professional use because there is none of the infrastructure that 
professional software has for working with digital media files.

At the moment, I would recommend using Processing for learning, teaching 
and developing prototypes. This is what the tool has been developed to do. 
However, there are already a number of people using Processing to create 
software pieces for online viewing, VJ performances, sound synthesis etc.

For examples of two workshops I've taught with Processing, look at:
http://www.evolutionzone.com/udk/
http://www.evolutionzone.com/udk/hyperwerk/

The motherlode of information about Processing is of course at 
http://www.processing.org/



Marius Watz - Amoeba / Unlekker
marius--at--unlekker.net

http://www.unlekker.net/
http://www.evolutionzone.com