Processing

Processing

Processing sketches in the Data Arena

intro_web

 

Processing is a flexible programming language oriented towards visual arts. It is both an accessible entry point for beginner programmers as well as a powerful platform for complex interaction, object-orientated programming and data visualisation. For those unfamiliar with Processing, it’s best to start with the official Processing website for a more detailed introduction.

Processing is integrated into the Data Arena environment and is capable of running documents—better known as sketches—on its 360º cylindrical display. If you’re interested in configuring a sketch to run within the Data Arena, our Processing tutorial series covers the various different sketch modes that we have designed, with helpful demos and templates to assist you to transition your code.

The Data Arena is currently running Processing version 3.3, so if you’re not working within the DAVM, ensure you’re using this release.

 

Tutorials to transition your sketches to the Data Arena

Processing runs nearly identically in the Data Arena to any other system, besides a few small differences. Have a look at the entries in the Processing tutorial series in order to preparing your sketches for the Data Arena, as these code walk-throughs cover important factors such as over/under & stereoscopic imagery, 2D/3D modes and how to interact with external input devices.

 

Sketch modes

To help update your code for compatiblity with the Data Arena, we’ve created three categories of standard Processing sketches. Each category is supported by examples and a template located in /local/examples/Processing/sketches. These examples are built to show off the versatility of Processing, and aren’t necessarily good examples of data visualisation!

 

Bringing your sketches into the Data Arena

While a system is being developed for transferring your files to the Data Arena, we invite you to copy your sketches onto a USB flash drive and arrange a visit. Let us know about your project and what you’d like to achieve, and we’ll help you get set up and running.