p5.js vs Processing

Developers should learn p5 meets developers should learn processing when working on projects involving generative art, data visualization, interactive installations, or educational tools for programming and design. Here's our take.

p5.js

Nice Pick

Developers should learn p5

Pros

• js when creating interactive art, data visualizations, educational tools, or prototypes that require graphical output in web browsers
• Related to: javascript, html5-canvas

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Processing

Developers should learn Processing when working on projects involving generative art, data visualization, interactive installations, or educational tools for programming and design

Pros

• It is particularly useful for quickly sketching visual ideas, creating interactive prototypes, or teaching programming concepts in a visual context
• Related to: java, creative-coding

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. p5.js is a library while Processing is a framework. We picked p5.js based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

p5.js wins

Based on overall popularity. p5.js is more widely used, but Processing excels in its own space.