Proce55ing.net - Software for New Programmers

Are you a current or future computer programming student with a passion for electronic art? Processing might be right up your alley, as it is a free dowloadable software program designed for students learning the art and technique of both computer programming and electronic art. Started by fellow peers in the MIT Media Lab, the application aims to simplify and deconstruct the programming process using visual aids (or 'sketching') as its main teaching tool.

Further, it focuses on the process of creating a new program rather than the finished product, and wants to be a transition tool for more complicated programs like Java. Right now their software is in beta testing, and they encourage users to try it out. The site contains links to many other resources and teaching tools for other kinds of programming.

Why is the font so small and such a light gray? I had to highlight the text to read the website (come on computer programmers! you are revolutionizing the world, so get bold and colorful!) How are they hoping to make a profit, or are they?

"Processing is an open source programming language and environment for people who want to program images, animation, and interactions. It is used by students, artists, designers, researchers, and hobbyists for learning, prototyping, and production. It is created to teach fundamentals of computer programming within a visual context and to serve as a software sketchbook and professional production tool. Processing is developed by artists and designers as an alternative to proprietary software tools in the same domain."

This application looks like an excellent teaching tool for those learning computer programming and the evolving art of computer animation. Developed and used by experts in the field who also have a commitment to keeping the product free and widely available, there is only a win-win element to this site.

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