Getting started

We have a text Introduction to the site.
And we have the following video introduction.
This video does not assume you have ever coded, or ever heard of JavaScript (what is behind this site).
See also:

• List of features of this site.
• Definitions of Worlds and Minds.

You can "run" any World by clicking on it. No install needed.
Try running some of the Editor's Choice Worlds.

There are currently 9,332 Worlds on this site.
Here are a few random choice Worlds to try (reload for more):

OK you are ready to code. All Worlds are coded in JavaScript (JS). We use a JavaScript graphics "library" to make it easy to code the graphics.

You need to pick a library: The "P5" library or the "Three.js" library.

• The P5 library has pluses and minuses:
  • It is easier to get into if you are a beginner coder.
  • It has features that may annoy non-beginners (global namespace taken up, timing loop controlled for you).
  • It is harder to do advanced graphics.
  • There are a number of P5 teaching courses on this site.

• The Three.js library has pluses and minuses:
  • It is more intimidating for a beginner coder.
  • It is well suited to non-beginners.
  • It is designed for advanced graphics. Almost all the advanced graphics Worlds on this site are Three.js.
  • There is currently no Three.js teaching course here.

For beginners, we recommend P5.

Having picked your graphics library, do the starter tutorial.

Using P5:

Or using Three.js:

When coding, the Docs menu has all the help and reference that you need:

• Once you have seen how to code on Ancient Brain, the easiest way to progress is to start modifying existing Worlds.
• Pick one of the Starter Worlds. "Clone" it, and edit your copy.
• The easiest parts of the code to change are in the "tweaker's box" at the top.

There are a number of coding courses and exercises on this site that you can do:

• Introduction to Programming. This is a proper Introduction to Programming course, with videos, using JavaScript and P5. This does not assume you have ever written a program.

• Introduction to Programming: Part Two.

• Alternative JavaScript course for kids. This is an alternative introduction to programming, with kid-friendly language. This does not assume you have ever written a program.

• WebGL course. This is a course in JavaScript 3D graphics ("WebGL") programming, using P5.

• AI exercises. This does not have a full set of notes explaining AI theory. You will need to get that somewhere else. Rather this is a series of online AI programming exercises, with problems for students to solve. All code is in JavaScript using P5.

As well as courses, there are accounts with certain collections of Worlds:

As you keep learning, here are some examples of what you can build on this site. Build something beautiful!