Processing Coming for Flash

Some years ago, while teaching a Flash class, I heard about an ActionScript-based approach to create animations and interactivity without the GUI. It's called processing and it's been around for a while now, but not widely adopted. Using a browser plug-in, you can view the things you create with the language. There's some very impressive examples on the website.

Well, Keith Peters of the Boston Flash User's Group, is working on integrating the language into the GUI. The add-on, called Brevity, will have a Beta release next week. So what will public opinion say about this release? I think for a lot of developers, this might simplify their workflow procedures. For example, creating an organic shape in the Processing language is far simpler than how it can be done in ActionScript. There are more inherent features built into Processing that facilitate motion dynamics and geometry.

I'm hoping the Adobe (Macromedia) community embraces this and helps it move forward.