Getting started

See also:

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

There are currently 12,351 Worlds on this site.
Here are a few random choice Worlds to try (reload for more):

We use two main graphics libraries: "P5" and "Three.js".

As a result we have two "starter tutorials", one for each library. So pick one. Don't worry, you can look at the other one later. If you do not know which to pick, pick P5.

If you want to know more about the two libraries

• 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.

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.

• 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.