Cinder vs. openFrameworks

The Creative Coding Framework Battle Royale

Chris Riebschlager
November 2013 / Show-Me Tech

Creative Coding? WTF?

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

Java vs. C++

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 & Cons

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?

Fin

Questions?