Learn PROCESSING-JAVA with Real Code Examples

Updated Nov 26, 2025

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Installation Setup

Download Processing IDE from https://processing.org/download/

Install Java Runtime Environment if not bundled

Start IDE -> write your first sketch with `setup()` and `draw()`

Add libraries via Sketch -> Import Library -> Add Library

Run sketches directly in the IDE; export as standalone applications if needed

Environment Setup

Processing IDE installed

Java Runtime Environment (JRE) or JDK

GPU-supported environment for P3D rendering

Library installation for advanced features

Optional: Arduino or other hardware setup for interaction

Config Files

Sketch folder with `.pde` files

data/ folder for assets (images, fonts, sounds)

libraries/ folder for optional libraries

sketch.properties - IDE configuration

exported application structure if compiled

Cli Commands

Processing IDE -> Run sketch

Export -> Application / Applet / p5.js

Add Library -> import external libraries

Tools -> Java console / PDE settings

Optional: Use command-line `processing-java` for headless or batch execution

Internationalization

Sketches themselves are language-agnostic

Text displayed must be managed programmatically

External UI for multi-language support required

No built-in i18n in Processing

Web integration allows standard HTML i18n handling

Accessibility

Depends on how sketches are integrated in UI

Web builds (p5.js) can leverage HTML accessibility features

Desktop sketches require additional frameworks for screen readers

Avoid flashing animations for sensitive viewers

Developers responsible for accessible UI overlays

Ui Styling

Vector and pixel-based drawing functions

Color, stroke, fill, alpha management

2D/3D transformations: translate, rotate, scale

Layering handled via draw order

No CSS - visual style controlled programmatically

State Management

Animation state via variables updated in `draw()` loop

Event state via mouse/keyboard function flags

No global threading required by default

Optional object-oriented patterns for complex sketches

Scene and object state maintained per sketch frame

Data Management

Asset-based: images, fonts, and audio in `data/` folder

Sketch variables hold runtime data

Optional file I/O for reading/writing data

No database by default; external Java libraries possible