Class 33: Introduction to the GNU Image Manipulation Program

Held: Monday, 31 March 2003

Summary: Today we begin investigations of the Gimp, The GNU Image Manipulation Program.

Related Pages:

• EBoard.
• Lab on the Gimp.

Assignments

• Exam 2: Recursion (due April 8).
• Read Scripting the Gimp with Script-Fu.

Notes:

• This week, we're going to try something fun. We'll primarily be experimenting with a graphics program which we'll script in Scheme.
• Planning ahead: The next few weeks after the exam, you'll be working in teams on a project of your choosing (either a Web project or a graphics project).
• I really was planning to grade your most recent homework over break. However, too many tasks (particularly cleaning the office) took all my time. I'm still trying!
• Would the class like to meet in Saints Rest some time next week or the week after? I'll spring for coffee and rolls. (I'll need to look at topics to decide on a day.)

Overview:

• About the Gimp.
• This week.
• Getting started with the Gimp.
• Lab.
• Wrapup.

Gimp Background

A Short History of GNU

• Perspectives on software
• The legendary Richard M. Stallman

Gimp

• A free alternative to Photoshop and the Ilk
• A somewhat awkward user interface, but you'll get used to it.
• Currently available for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.
• We're studying the Gimp because you can script it with Scheme (which you'll see later this week).
• Start Gimp by typing gimp in a shell window.
• Create a new file by selecting New from the File menu.
• Draw with the appropriate drawing tools (waving the cursor over a tool should tell you what it does).
• Save by clicking with the right mouse button within the picture and then selecting Save or Save As from the File menu..

Plans for This Week

• This week, we'll play with an interesting application that is controlled by a scripting language that bears remarkable resemblance to Scheme (but isn't quite the Scheme you know).
• The Gimp is the GNU Image Manipulation Program.
• Monday: Play with the Gimp.
• Tuesday: Start programming with one-liners.
• Wednesday: Write your own procedures.
• Friday: Algorithmic art.
• Next few weeks: Project.

Lab

• Sam does a short demo.
• Do the lab.
• Be prepared to reflect.