Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The great thing about Processing is that you can quickly get up and run-
ning. The programming environment is lightweight, and with just a few
lines of code, you can create an animated and interactive graphic. It
would of course be basic, but because it was designed with the creation
of visuals in mind, you can easily learn how to create more advanced
pieces.
Although the audience was originally for designers and artists, the com-
munity around Processing has grown to be a diverse group. Many libraries
can help you do more with the language.
One of the drawbacks is that you do end up with a Java applet, which can
be slow to load on some people's computers, and not everyone has Java
installed. (Although most people do.) There's a solution for that, though.
There's a JavaScript version of Processing recently out of development
and ready to use.
Nevertheless, this is a great place to start for beginners. even those who
don't have any programming experience can make something useful.
useFuL processIng resource
a
Processing (
http://processing.org
)—Oficial site for Processing
FLASh AND ACTIoNSCrIPT
Most interactive and animated data graphics on the web, especially on major
news sites such as
The New York Times
, are built in Flash and ActionScript.
You can design graphics in just Flash, which is a click-and-drag interface,
but with ActionScript you have more control over interactions. Many appli-
cations are written completely in ActionScript, without the use of the Flash
environment. However, the code compiles as a Flash application.
Although there
are many free
and open-source
ActionScript
libraries, Flash
and Flash build-
ers can be pricey,
which you should
consider in your
choice of software.
For example, an interactive map that animates the growth of Walmart,
as shown in Figure 3-13, was written in ActionScript. The Modest Maps
library was used, which is a display and interaction library for tile-based
maps. It's BSD-licensed, meaning it's free, and you can use it for whatever
you want.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search