Cinder vs. openFrameworks
The Creative Coding Framework Battle Royale
Chris Riebschlager
November 2013 / Show-Me Tech
Processing
- Created in 2001
- Ben Fry and Casey Raes - MIT
- Java framework and IDE
openFrameworks
- Created in 2005
- Zach Lieberman - Parsons School of Design
- C++ framework
Cinder
- Created in 2010
- The Barbarian Group
- C++ framework
If they were cars:
- Java is the family station wagon. Easy to drive, not too fast and you can't hurt yourself.
- C++ is a souped-up version of the C racecar with dozens of extra features that only breaks down every 250 miles, but when it does, nobody can figure out what went wrong.
If they were boats:
- Java is a cargo ship. It’s bulky and very enterprise-y but can carry a lot of weight. It'll carry a project, but it's not very fun to drive.
- C++ is a nuclear submarine. The instructions are in a foreign language, but all of the hardware is optimized for performance.
openFrameworks - Pros & Cons
openFrameworks - Pros:
- Crazy good documentation
- Huge community
- Active development
openFrameworks - Cons:
- Relies on several open source libraries
- Won't appeal to C++ purists
- More contributors == More weirdness
Cinder - Pros:
- Fewer dependencies
- Small dedicated team
- Rigorous adherence to API standards
Cinder - Cons:
- Craptacular documentation
- Fewer addons
- Smaller community
The Verdict
Figure it out your own damn self.
(Just kidding) ... sort of
Pick the right tool for the job.
- Where will the project be deployed?
- How much time to I have to spend?
- What libraries do I want to take advantage of?