Overview of Tools Combining Processing and Python

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A while ago, I was reading over (and responding to) a post on the Processing forums. The thread discussed the future of Processing Python Mode / Processing.py, but that’s not exactly what this blog post is about. What inspired me was one particular comment from Setsuna that read:

“py5, p5py, and now pyp5js… Is the community trying to get the newbies confused? Because it’s working.”

– Setsuna, from the Processing forums

Setsuna makes a valid point. People involved in developing Python implementations of Processing should take note. Processing.py, py5, p5py, and

Generative SVG for Pen Plotters using Python

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

I recently acquired access to a pen plotter, which I’m excited to report makes a fantastic hardware addition to my growing suite of creative coding toys. Python has plenty to offer the plotter enthusiast – from powerful SVG optimisation tools like vpype to Blender scripting for ‘3D’ SVG renders, and more.

I’ve been working extensively with py5 for generative art projects and investigating it seriously as a tool for learning & teaching to code in a more visual context. I recently delivered a CC Fest presentation on my SVG+plotter adventures ...

Portable Thonny and py5

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I very recently stumbled upon py5, a Python version of Processing for Python 3.8+ that uses Processing’s core libraries under the hood (thanks to some JPype magic).

I’ve begun working on a Thonny plug-in, thonny-py5mode, that automates the installation steps I cover in this post. You can check out the project repo to track how work on the plug-in is progressing.

Previously, I wrote a post on combining the Thonny editor and p5. p5 is a sort of Python ‘clone’ of Processing, ...

Processing.py in Ten Lessons – Resources

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve created two new resources to help Processing.py users – a website for browsing code examples and a cheat sheet for beginners. If you’re keen to learn more about Python Mode for Processing, I’ve written a series of lessons. I’ve also got a book out, Learn Python Visually, published by No Starch Press.

1. A Website for Browsing Code Examples

PYDE.ORG hosts a collection of short, prototypical programs exploring the basics of programming with Processing.py.

The PYDE.ORG landing page displaying the examples listing

So far, ...

Interactive Animation with SVG and GSAP

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this tutorial, you’ll create an interactive espresso machine using SVG, JavaScript, and the GSAP library for animation. You’ll draw the espresso machine using SVG code; once that’s complete, you’ll add the JavaScript/GSAP code to animate it. You’ll learn how to use different SVG elements and attributes to draw with code. I won’t go into much detail about JavaScript—just enough to add some event listeners and manipulate SVG elements with GSAP. The tutorial assumes that you possess a decent grasp of how HTML and CSS work.

The final result is a three-step, interactive animation (Figure 1). Click the object ...

A Quick Intro to Blender Creative Coding – part 3 of 3

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

« part 2 of 3

In this final part, you’ll learn some Blender scripting techniques—like how to address, manipulate, copy, and animate mesh primitives using code. To combine all of those techniques, you’ll create a wavy pattern of cones—a cool-looking animation that you can convert into a looping GIF.

I’ll review the all-important bpy library using a selection of attributes and methods from the bpy.data module. I’ll also touch on how to import code from other Python files, as well as using other code editors to write your Blender code. Of ...

A Quick Intro to Blender Creative Coding – part 2 of 3

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

« part 1 of 3 | part 3 of 3 »

In this instalment, you’ll learn about some useful Blender features for writing scripts. You’ll use the Info editor to glean what Python commands are associated with the different actions you perform using the graphic interface. I’ll also introduce the Blender Console, a handy editor for entering line-by-line Python commands that apply immediately to your scene. You’ll use the Console to execute operations that you might otherwise perform with mouse clicks and keyboard shortcuts.

Before proceeding, open Blender (using the command ...

A Quick Intro to Blender Creative Coding – part 1 of 3

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

part 2 of 3 »

At the time of writing, Blender is on release 2.83; this is also a long term support release (LTS).

In this series of tutorials, I’ll introduce Blender as a tool for creative coding. Blender is open-source software for 3D modelling and animation that can also handle compositing, video editing, and 2D animation. Artists and animators operate Blender using a graphic user interface (Figure 1.1), but it also features a Python API that can do everything the GUI can and more. That means you can use Python code ...

Portable Thonny and p5

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

You can combine Thonny and p5 for a Processing-esque, Python 3 development environment that runs off a USB drive. There are situations where you may prefer to use p5 over Processing Python Mode / Processing.py, which I discuss in this post. This Thonny-p5 combo is also handy for teaching programming in computer labs where students cannot install software, or any situation where you’d prefer to run an application in a portable fashion.

I’ve written a more recent post on combining Thonny and py5. This is quite different ...

Processing.py in Ten Lessons – 8.1: Functions

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

« 7.5: ControlP5

I have a new book out titled Learn Python Visually – Creative Coding with Processing.py. The book contains a refined and redesigned version of what I’ve provided online, printed in full colour with new chapters and nice margins to scrawl in. You can order a copy from the No Starch website or Amazon.

The functions chapter is available as a free sample download here:
https://nostarch.com/download/samples/LearnPythonVisually_sampleChapter.pdf

I’ll finish off the remaining lessons (listed below), but cannot say exactly when. You can ...

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