Greenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational

purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community

6Releases

7See also

8References

9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

public void act()

 {
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.

Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
 publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.

Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.
Greenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational
purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community

6Releases

7See also

8References

9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

public void act()

{
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.
 Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.

Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.
Greenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational
purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community
 6Releases

7See also

8References

9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

public void act()

{
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.

Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.

Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.

vvGreenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational

purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
 Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community

6Releases

7See also

8References

9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

public void act()

{
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
 setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.

Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.
 Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.
Greenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational
purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community

6Releases

7See also

8References

9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

public void act()

{
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.

Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
 Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.

Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.
Greenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational
purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community

6Releases

7See also

8References
 9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

public void act()

{
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
 Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.

Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.

Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.
Greenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational
purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

 3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community

6Releases

7See also

8References

9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

public void act()

{
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
 explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.

Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.

Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
 support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.
Greenfoot is an interactive Java development environment designed primarily for educational
purposes at the high school and undergraduate level. It allows easy development of two-
dimensional graphical applications, such as simulations and interactive games.
Greenfoot is being developed and maintained at the University of Kent, with support from Oracle.
It is free software, released under the GPL license. Greenfoot is available for Windows, OS
X, Linux, Solaris, and any recent JVM.

Contents
[hide]

1History

2Use and programming model

3Pedagogy

4Learner community

5Educator community

6Releases

7See also

8References

9Bibliography

10External links

History[edit]
The Greenfoot project was initiated by Michael Klling in 2003, and a first prototype was built
by Poul Henriksen (masters student) and Michael Klling (supervisor) in 2003/2004.[1] From 2005
development was continued involving the other members of the BlueJ Group at the University of
Kent and Deakin University.[2]
The first full release, Greenfoot version 1.0, was published on 31 May 2006, with further releases
following occasionally thereafter.[3]
In May 2007, the Greenfoot project was awarded the "Duke's Choice Award" in the category
"Java Technology in Education", and in 2010 it won the "Premier Award for Excellence in
Engineering Education Courseware".
In March 2009, Greenfoot project became free and open source software, and licensed
under GNU GPL with Classpath exception.
In August 2009, a textbook[4] was published that teaches programming with Greenfoot.

Use and programming model[edit]

 public void act()
{
setLocation (getX() + 4, getY());
// Moves the Actor 4 cells to the right
setRotation (getRotation() + 2);
// Rotates the Actor 2 degrees clockwise
}

An example of a simple act method in Greenfoot

Actor a = getOneIntersectingObject(Asteroid.class);
if (a != null) {
// we have hit an asteroid!
explode();
}

An example of simple collision detection

The Greenfoot programming model consists of a World class (represented by a rectangular

screen area) and any number of actor objects that are present in the world and can be
programmed to act independently. The world and actors are represented by Java objects and
defined by Java classes. Greenfoot offers methods to easily program these actors, including
method for movement, rotation, changes of appearance, collision detection, etc.
Programming in Greenfoot at its most basic consists of subclassing two built-in
classes, World and Actor. An instance of the world subclass represents the world in which
Greenfoot execution will occur. Actor subclasses are objects that can exist and act in the world.
An instance of the world subclass is automatically created by the environment.
Execution in Greenfoot consists of a built-in main loop that repeatedly invokes each
actor's act method. Programming a scenario, therefore, consists mainly of
implementing act methods for the scenario's actors. Implementation is done in standard Java.
Greenfoot offers API methods for a range of common tasks, such as animation, sound,
randomisation, and image manipulation. All standard Java libraries can be used as well, and
sophisticated functionality can be achieved.

Pedagogy[edit]
Greenfoot aims to motivate learners quickly by providing easy access to animated graphics,
sound and interaction. The environment is highly interactive and encourages exploration and
experimentation. Pedagogically, the design is based on constructivist and apprenticeship
approaches.
Secondly, the environment is designed to illustrate and emphasize important abstractions and
concepts of object-oriented programming. Concepts such as the class/object relationship,
methods, parameters, and object interaction are conveyed through visualizations and guided
interactions. The goal is to build and support a mental model that correctly represents modern
object-oriented programming systems.

Learner community[edit]
For users of Greenfoot, a community site called the Greenfoot Gallery[5] provides a platform to
publish and discuss their projects. Anyone can set up an account on the Greenfoot Gallery and
publish their work. When published, scenarios run live in a web browser, and are instantly
playable by anyone worldwide. The ability to easily publish programming projects to the internet
is seen as a significant motivator for young learners.

Educator community[edit]
For educators, the project provides the Greenroom,[6] a community site to discuss teaching
strategies, exchange experiences and share material. In addition to a discussion forum, the
Greenroom provides a shared repository of teaching resources, including numerous worksheets,
project ideas, slide sets and other teaching aids.

Releases[edit]
In version 2.0, the editor and API received some major changes from the previous version 1.5.6.
The editor added support for code completion, coloured scope highlighting, improved find and
replace, and a new navigation view.[7] A built-in sound recorder was added, as well as better
support for sound in scenarios through a new high level sound class called GreenfootSound . It
adds the ability to pause and loop sounds, as well as adding MP3 support.