Learn PIET with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 25, 2025
Installation Setup
Install a Piet interpreter (npiet is popular)
Alternatively use online interpreters
Ensure images are saved as PNG or GIF
Use image editors that preserve color values exactly
Verify with simple push/print programs
Environment Setup
Install npiet or use online tools
Disable anti-aliasing in editor
Use exact Piet color palette
Test simple color blocks
Use debuggers for DP visualization
Config Files
No config needed
Optional interpreter flags
Palette reference files
Grid templates
Example project metadata
Cli Commands
npiet program.png
npiet --debug program.png
npiet --trace program.png
npiet --help
npiet --stackdump
Internationalization
Color-based, not language-based
Global community
Universally understandable
Documentation mainly in English
No locale-specific constraints
Accessibility
Platform-independent
Easy to run with online interpreters
Requires basic image-editing skills
Clear visual structure
Friendly for creative coders
Ui Styling
Programs look like abstract art
Sharp rectangular color regions
Mondrian style encouraged
No text, purely visual
Editor must preserve raw colors
State Management
Stack-based operations
DP/CC determine state flow
Color transitions update execution state
White/black influence navigation
No external persistent state
Data Management
Stack holds integers
Output via commands mapped to ASCII
Image acts as read-only code
Memory limited only by interpreter
Data encoded through color patterns