OpenFrameworks is a C++ library for fast and efficient coding of artistic or experimental applications. It provides cohesive classes for low-level access to hardware and software, allowing for better performance and cross-platform compatibility. It focuses on audio and video presentations and accepts input for interactive applications.
OpenFrameworks is a library of classes written in the C++ computer programming language that helps facilitate fast and efficient coding of applications intended primarily for artistic expression or experimentation. The main goal of the software toolkit is to allow an artist or programmer to create presentations or applications without having to worry about low-level interface functions or disparate library collections. The current openFrameworks library builds on other open source libraries for accessing graphics, fonts, and audio features, but then wraps all the different commands from the external library within their own unique classes. The openFrameworks developers maintain the code so that it can be compiled on most major operating systems and some portable devices without the need for modifications.
One difference between openFrameworks and other available libraries is that it does not attempt to provide wrappers for program logic as a game programming library might. Instead, the goal is solely to be able to easily access the elements to create audio and video presentations and accept input so that such applications can be interactive. This focused development direction leads to a library that is written more tightly and leaves enough room for an experienced programmer to implement his own program logic.
There are a few reasons an artist or programmer might want to use the openFrameworks library. For those who are just starting to learn programming, the library eliminates the need to write many lines of repetitive code by already including them in certain functions or methods. It may also be easier for some to learn openFrameworks because the naming conventions used will be consistent across the library, removing the requirement to be familiar with the conventions of several unrelated libraries.
The external libraries used by openFrameworks are all open source and can provide very low-level access to hardware such as graphics cards, sound cards, and input and output devices. By wrapping these low-level functions, along with all associated necessary code, into a more cohesive and intuitive class that contains methods that are easily understood and used, low-level access becomes possible for an artist or programmer even if that person doesn’t understand low-level code. Direct access to hardware and software also provides better performance and smoother animation and audio playback.
OpenFrameworks is designed to be a cross-platform library, so programs that use the code can compile on almost any operating system and can run on some mobile devices. This can lead to many possibilities, especially during a digital art instillation in a gallery, where it may be possible for viewers to download interactive artwork displayed on mobile devices for later viewing. Another benefit of being cross-platform is the ability to integrate unique input devices, such as touch screens, on handheld devices or three-dimensional motion sensing cameras on game consoles.
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