Processing

Processing is great for getting people started with creating digital things. It’s pretty easy to get started with, and is Java-based so more advanced users can import their favorite Java packages and do more complex things. It is text-based, not drag-n-drop, so you do have to keep track of your semi-colons and such.

Beginners can get things drawing on the screen and moving around with minimal effort, as the Processing library provides quick functions for drawing shapes and images. As an “advanced” user, I still use it for making prototypes and small games, because of how quickly I can get something up and running.