Review
This is official description
Consider Greenfoot as a combination between a framework for creating two-dimensional grid assignments in Java and an integrated development environment (class browser, editor, compiler, execution, etc.) suitable for novice programmers. While Greenfoot supports the full Java language, it is especially useful for programming exercises that have a visual element. In Greenfoot object visualisation and object interaction are the key elements.
If you know BlueJ and a microworld framework (like Karel the Robot or the AP Marine Biology Case Study) consider greenfoot as the best from both: object interaction (BlueJ) and object visualisation (microworlds).
The framework in greenfoot has two main responsibilities:
Make it easy to create graphical representations of objects.
Control the execution (start, stop, step) of a simulation loop.
In addition greenfoot can visualise the objects from a greenfoot scenario, and interact with these. It can control the execution of the execution loop of a greenfoot scenario.
The following review written by one of the Software Informer contributors applies to version 1.4
Greenfoot 1.4.6 is a framework and an integrated Java development environment.
As a framework, you can use it for creating two-dimensional grid assignments in Java. As an integrated development environment (class browser, editor, compiler, execution, etc.) it´s also suitable for novice programmers.
Greenfoot 1.4.6 supports the full Java language, but it is especially useful for programming those exercises having a visual element. In this environment, object visualisation and interaction are the key elements.
In order to use Greenfoot 1.4.6, you must have JDK (Java Development Kit) 1.5 or later installed.
If you don´t have JDK, you can download the Java SE Development Kit 6u11 from the Java site at http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp.
To become familiar with Greenfoot, you can see the tutorial that the program offers.
Once Greenfoot has started, load the Wombats scenario.
You will then be able to add bears and leaves in the grid. In that way, you will be building a Java game, graphically. Once you are finished, you can compile the classes and save the result. |
