Eric vs Processing

Eric is a Python editor and IDE based on Qt and Scintilla, intended for quick edits as well as project management. Its current stable version, eric7, is based on PyQt6, Qt6 and Python 3. Editing tools include syntax highlighting, autocompletion, calltips, source folding, brace matching, error highlighting and project-wide search and replace. For development, it includes a Python debugger with multi-thread and multiprocessing support, profiling, code coverage, code checking, task management and unittest support. Core plugins provide interfaces for Mercurial, Subversion and Git repositories, and users can load further extensions from its Plugin Repository. Python tools include pip and virtual environment management and an interactive shell; rope refactoring is available as an optional plugin. Eric also lists chat and a shared editor as cooperation functions. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, and can be installed through PyPI or a distribution archive. The maker recommends installation in a Python virtual environment, and directs Windows users to a ZIP archive. It is free, with no price or usage limits stated.

Processing is a free, open-source development tool for creating visual and interactive media, including graphics, animations, and interactive installations. It began as a software sketchbook and a way to teach programming through visual work, and has developed into a tool for professionals. The Processing Development Environment combines a text editor, compiler, and display window for creating and running sketches. The default renderer handles two-dimensional graphics, while P3D supports three-dimensional graphics. Community libraries add capabilities such as sound, computer vision, and advanced 3D geometry. Included tools support sketch archiving, font creation, color selection, and movie making. Core libraries cover network communication, serial connections to external hardware, audio, video, and PDF or SVG export. A command-line interface runs sketches from a terminal, including automated or headless setups. Processing runs locally on macOS, Windows, and Linux and does not collect, track, store, or share user data. Its update check can be disabled. The Processing Forum supports questions and work sharing. The free plan costs nothing.