Have you tried your luck with different Java programming services, but none satisfy you, no matter how nice and modern it looks? The truth is that in these cases, you should bet on a safe alternative: Greenfoot. Today we will talk about a platform that is not only very simple but is also oriented to educational use, so it can give you a hand if that is what you are looking for.

As we were saying, Greenfoot is nothing more than a program designed to offer the user a series of graphic environments, thanks to which we can access both sounds and animations already uploaded so that we can use them. All you have to do is select those objects that you think might be of interest to you, indicating to them which actions they have to carry out in each of the cases.

How it works

Greenfoot uses a looping method, thanks to which each object will perform the predetermined action at the exact moment that the animation of the program is activated. Hence, you only have to set each of the movements. If you are careful enough, this will allow you to make the different elements interact, something perfect for entertainment and illustration of all kinds of situations.

We liked Greenfoot because it has a series of initial tutorials through which you can use the program in a minimum of time without having to go through stressful situations as with similar programs. Even with the information shown to perform step-by-step processes, you will get results close to what you are looking for. However, it does not have contextual help.

Then, although, as we said, Greenfoot has been designed for educational purposes, we must not lose sight of the fact that it could also be helpful when you think about developing a game for your website. Gone are when it could be considered a somewhat limited platform, only valid for children because now its potential is much higher.

Greenfoot has tools such as the classic two-dimensional grid, which we recommend especially to those taking their first steps because, thanks to it, you will avoid several logical errors in these cases. In addition, we can talk about its editor for code development, a class viewer, and many other tools that are much more designed for those with experience in this regard.

Greenfoot even has a kind of database in which all the progress we are making with our creations is stored, preventing in this way that in the event of an accident or unforeseen event, the work produced is lost. This is essential, especially considering that hardly any of our Java developments can be finished in a few hours, and more than once, a project will be left halfway.

The user interface of Greenfoot is excellent, and it is easy to interpret most of its functions and options. We have to thank its developers for having thought about the inexperienced. Perhaps the only "but" that we could put is that it is not available in other languages, which makes it somewhat complicated at times to understand specific options for not English speakers users.

Keep in mind

Although Greenfoot is an entirely free service, its creators ask us to donate so that they can continue working on it and updating it to improve its features.

The best

Some of the most notable strengths we have found in this first approach to Enfotarse are the simplicity of use of this platform and the introductory tutorials that it adds to help us. In the same way, it has elements that allow us to test its potential, such as the uploaded games, in addition to the drawings and backgrounds, which are great for getting more ideas.

The worst

Although Enfotarse has no significant weaknesses or shortcomings, we can not stop talking about the lack of contextual help, which, although at times can be supplied thanks to the tutorials that incorporate, in other cases, it is a little lacking. We recommend you dedicate time to this program to get the most out of it.

Rating

Suppose you want to start making some Java developments. In that case, Enfotarse is one of the best options we have at hand, one thanks to which you can use the many examples and content already uploaded, thus avoiding having to do everything on your own. Considering that it is functional for the dual purpose of education and entertainment, it will likely supply more than one application, which is always interesting.