Processing: Creative Coding and Computational Art

ezier(350, 100, 400, 150, 350, 250, 350, 300);
line(350, 100, 400, 150);
rect(350, 100, 10, 10);
ellipse(400, 150, 10, 10);
line(350, 300, 350, 250);
rect(350, 300, 10, 10);
ellipse(350, 250, 10, 10);
bezier(350, 300, 300, 350, 100, 250, 100, 400);
line(350, 300, 300, 350);
rect(350, 300, 10, 10);
ellipse(300, 350, 10, 10);
line(100, 400, 100, 250);
rect(100, 400, 10, 10);
ellipse(100, 250, 10, 10);
Figure 7-29. Connecting Bézier curves together
In this last example, notice how the control handles change the curve. The control handles
that are aligned, forming a straight line at the second anchor point, generate a really
smooth curve segment. However, the next anchor point forms a cusp, or kink, in the curve,
as the handles don’t align. This independence of the two control handles is both a benefit
and liability of using Bézier curves. Cusps in the curve can translate to jerky motion in
object or camera animations in 3D animation programs, or create an unwanted detail in a
vector illustration or typeface design. However, in spite of these challenges, Bézier curves
are very efficient, with a lot of descriptive capabilities, and are used widely in computer
graphics.
CURVES
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