Programming Visual Media

Weeks 1-2

Mechanics of the course and other administrative tasks.

What is programming? How are programming languages different from human languages?

Learning the processing.js syntax and some commands, using a few examples:

• Calling functions and basic syntax [fn1-4]
• Naming / variables
• Loops
• Single conditions
• Creating functions

This fortnight's goal: comfort experimenting on your own. We'll provide a few exercises to make sure you're comfortable with the syntax and can play around successfully, resolving any bugs.

Weeks 3-4

Thinking like a programmer: breaking problems down into key components

• Naming key results
• Isolating key blocks of code into functions

How to debug:

• print statements are your best friend

This fortnight's goal: write a simple tic-tac-toe game.

Weeks 5-6

Programming for games

• Math and physics for game developers
  • Coordinates
  • Movement and timing
  • Collisions
• Events
  • Mouse clicks
  • Keystokes
• Animations and basic physics
• Keeping track of data

This fortnight's goal: Write your own game!