22. openFrameworks Addons

openFrameworks + ofxAddons

The ofxAddons compilation site is the Matrix Stockroom of new media arts:

In this assignment, you are asked to create a working openFrameworks application in which you combine two different ofxAddons — in other words: in which you successfully get two different ofxAddons to compile in the same project. Please note:

  • Many openFrameworks addons are unfinished, experimental, limited to certain OS platforms, or obsolete (designed to work only with older versions of OF). Expect to be frustrated. If an addon seems unlikely to work, be flexible and just try something else.
  • This is primarily a technical assignment, intended to build confidence and experience through practice. Masterpieces are not requested (though, always welcome). Note that this is much less of a programming assignment, than a test of your tolerance and patience for figuring out idiosyncratic, cryptic and poorly documented compiler settings.
  • To be sure, the strongest projects will combine the two addons in an interesting way. But it will be minimally sufficient if you can just clearly demonstrate that both addons are compiling and working properly in the same application. Think of it as: merge two different “Hello World” applications into one.
  • You don’t have much time. Therefore, for this assignment, be (in the words of Evan Roth quoting Eric Raymond; jump to 3:50) “Lazy like a fox”. How can you combine two things to produce something provocative and original, with low work and maximum impact?

Deliverables

  • Get warmed up by (A) compiling some standard OF examples; (B) compiling some of the default addon examples (which come with OF), and (C) compiling some of the example projects that come with the ofxAddons in which you’re interested.
  • Create a single OF application in which two different (non-default) ofxAddons successfully compile together, as described above, and proceed from there….
  • Create a unique blog post for your project, categorized 22-of-addons. 
  • Embed a YouTube or Vimeo video demonstrating your project.
  • Please write 100-200 words about your project. Be sure to describe why you selected these two addons.
  • Upload your code to Github, and include a link in your blog to your repository.
  • Include a static image, which could be a screenshot, diagram, etc.
  • Include scans of any sketches, if you have them.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this project, you will be able to:

  • Compile applications with openFrameworks, a high-performance arts toolkit;
  • Incorporate openFrameworks extension libraries (“ofxAddons”) into your applications;
  • Demonstrate awareness of the range of C++ software libraries available to artists.