# nannou — Creative Coding Framework for Rust

> An open-source creative coding framework for Rust that makes it easy to build generative art, audiovisual installations, and interactive simulations with GPU-accelerated graphics.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# nannou — Creative Coding Framework for Rust

## Quick Use
```bash
# Create a new nannou project
cargo init my_sketch
cd my_sketch
# Add nannou dependency
cargo add nannou
# Run the sketch
cargo run --release
```

## Introduction
nannou is an open-source creative coding framework for Rust, inspired by Processing and openFrameworks. It provides a batteries-included environment for artists and designers who want the performance and safety of Rust with a friendly API for 2D/3D graphics, audio, and interaction.

## What nannou Does
- Renders real-time 2D and 3D graphics via wgpu (WebGPU backend)
- Provides a sketch-style API with `model`, `update`, and `view` lifecycle functions
- Integrates audio I/O through CPAL for generative sound and music visualization
- Supports GUI widgets, OSC communication, and laser output for installations
- Ships examples covering particle systems, noise fields, shaders, and more

## Architecture Overview
nannou wraps wgpu for cross-platform GPU rendering, winit for windowing, and CPAL for audio. The framework uses an event-driven application loop where the user defines a model struct holding state, an update function for logic, and a view function for drawing. This design keeps creative sketches concise while giving full access to Rust's ecosystem.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Requires a stable Rust toolchain (1.65+); install via `rustup`
- GPU drivers must support Vulkan, Metal, or DX12 for wgpu rendering
- Add features in Cargo.toml: `nannou_audio`, `nannou_osc`, `nannou_laser`
- Export frames to PNG sequences for video production with `app.main_window().capture_frame()`
- Use `nannou_egui` crate for adding immediate-mode GUI panels to sketches

## Key Features
- wgpu rendering: modern GPU pipeline without OpenGL legacy
- Audio-visual integration: synchronized sound and graphics in one framework
- Hot-reload friendly: fast compile times for iterative creative work
- Cross-platform: runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows
- Rich example gallery: 100+ sketches demonstrating techniques

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Processing** — Java-based, larger community but slower runtime performance
- **openFrameworks** — C++ toolkit with broader addon ecosystem
- **p5.js** — browser-based, easier to share but limited by JS performance
- **Cinder** — C++ creative framework, similar scope but no Rust safety guarantees
- **Bevy** — Rust game engine with ECS; heavier architecture than nannou's sketch model

## FAQ
**Q: Do I need to know Rust to use nannou?**
A: Basic Rust knowledge is needed. The API is designed to be approachable, and the examples serve as learning material.

**Q: Can I use nannou for live performances?**
A: Yes. It supports real-time audio input, OSC for MIDI controllers, and low-latency rendering suitable for live visuals.

**Q: How does nannou compare to Bevy for creative coding?**
A: nannou is sketch-oriented with a simpler API. Bevy is a full game engine with an ECS architecture, better suited for complex interactive applications.

**Q: Can I export video from nannou?**
A: nannou can save individual frames as images. Combine them into video with FFmpeg.

## Sources
- https://github.com/nannou-org/nannou
- https://nannou.cc/guide/

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-5bd64c88
Author: AI Open Source