Flash Alternative: Processing Version 1.0
This past weekend has produced a version 1.0 of Processing, a Flash alternative product that runs under GPL.
With the help of some simple code, Processing will create 2-D and 3-D models and animations (Figure 1). These you can export as Java applets into websites. The tool can provide many creative outlets in that it is easy to use. A number of examples have been collected.
New in version 1.0 is the reintroduction of the P2D two-dimensional renderer. Line smoothing isn't quite 100%, although it's standard with P2D and P3D renderers. The inherent OpenGL renderer uses full-screen anti-aliasing and ignores smooth() and nosmooth() methods. Processing provides a new vector class, PVector, that creates a tuple for easier 3-D data storage.
The integrated vector graphic library Candy introduces the loadShape() method and a new Pshape object. These functions currently work best with the JAVA2D renderer, while upcoming Processing versions should more fully enhance the vector graphic functions. The full list of feature changes are here.
To get a glimpse of Processing, best to download from here. All you need is to do is import the program in an editor and play it (Figure 2), with no compiling necessary. Numerous sample programs are available from the application's File | Examples menu. A File | Export creates a Java applet of the program that you can simply FTP to a website.
The following code, for example, creates a gray cube that you can move around with the mouse (Figure 3):
import processing.opengl.*;
void setup() {
size(400, 400, P3D);
frameRate(30);
}
void draw() {
background(200);
translate(mouseX,mouseY,0);
color c1 = color(180);
fill(c1);
stroke(128);
box(150);
}
Gallery pictures:
Figure 1. With Processing you can easily and quickly create and animate 2-D and 3-D objects.
Figure 2. Simply import a program in the editor and click the Play icon.
Figure 3. A few lines of code can create a cube that you move around by mouse click.
Gallery (3 images) |
---|
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Issue 268/2023
Buy this issue as a PDF
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
KDE Plasma 5.27 Beta is Ready for Testing
The latest beta iteration of the KDE Plasma desktop is now available and includes some important additions and fixes.
-
Netrunner OS 23 Is Now Available
The latest version of this Linux distribution is now based on Debian Bullseye and is ready for installation and finally hits the KDE 5.20 branch of the desktop.
-
New Linux Distribution Built for Gamers
With a Gnome desktop that offers different layouts and a custom kernel, PikaOS is a great option for gamers of all types.
-
System76 Beefs Up Popular Pangolin Laptop
The darling of open-source-powered laptops and desktops will soon drop a new AMD Ryzen 7-powered version of their popular Pangolin laptop.
-
Nobara Project Is a Modified Version of Fedora with User-Friendly Fixes
If you're looking for a version of Fedora that includes third-party and proprietary packages, look no further than the Nobara Project.
-
Gnome 44 Now Has a Release Date
Gnome 44 will be officially released on March 22, 2023.
-
Nitrux 2.6 Available with Kernel 6.1 and a Major Change
The developers of Nitrux have officially released version 2.6 of their Linux distribution with plenty of new features to excite users.
-
Vanilla OS Initial Release Is Now Available
A stock GNOME experience with on-demand immutability finally sees its first production release.
-
Critical Linux Vulnerability Found to Impact SMB Servers
A Linux vulnerability with a CVSS score of 10 has been found to affect SMB servers and can lead to remote code execution.
-
Linux Mint 21.1 Now Available with Plenty of Look and Feel Changes
Vera has arrived and although it is still using kernel 5.15, there are plenty of improvements sure to please everyone.