vvvv - visual live-programming for .NET

vvvv

A visual live-programming environment that takes you from rapid prototyping to final production.

Visual Live-Programming with vvvv

Very Visual

vvvv is a visual-first live programming environment for the .NET ecosystem. Its language VL combines metaphors known from dataflow, functional and object oriented programming.

There is no need to write any code, unless you really want to.

Inherently Fast

vvvv programs are compiled and run on the .NET virtual machine. As such they are as fast as if you’d write them in C#.

Want to use all the cores of your CPU? With VL it requires no rocket science to have parts of your program run on separate threads.

Quick To Iterate

vvvv has one mode: Runtime. Modify your program while it is running, compilation happens in the background.

With its state hot-reload technology, vvvv saves you precious time: There is no need to restart your program to see the effects of changes you make.

Ready To Connect

vvvv comes with support for many hardware devices, like color and depth cameras, the serial port,…

Also, it speaks most common protocols, like OSC, Midi, UDP, TCP, Redis, DMX, Art-Net, Firmata, ZMQ, MQTT, Websocket, HTTP, RCP,…

Open To Extend

vvvv can be extended with custom nodes written in pure C#. No proprietary plugin-wrapping boilerplate code is needed.

This allows you to directly consume almost any .NET library from nuget.org, without having to write a single line of code.

Proven To Perform

vvvv’s initial release was in 2002. It is since in use by people around the world to build live-shows, permanent interactive/immersive experiences and custom media servers.

Built To Be Learned

vvvv comes with a built-in HelpBrowser that gives you direct access to examples and explanations. A series of video tutorials provides you with the fundamentals in no time.

If you need a hand, a caring community is waiting for you to join. vvvv’s chat and forums are both open 24/7.

The Road Ahead

Want to know what we are currently working on and what to expect in upcoming releases?

Check Our Roadmap

Multi-Paradigm

Combines metaphors known from dataflow, functional and object-oriented programming
Strictly evaluated
Regions aka visual code blocks (loops, if, delegates, ...)
Process nodes aka simple lifetime management
Adaptive nodes aka adhoc polymorphism

Advanced Type System

Statically typed
Automagic type inference
First class support for mutable and immutable datatypes
Generics aka parametric polymorphism (with bounded quantification)
Interfaces aka subtype polymorphism

Supportive IDE

Runtime value inspection
Reactive/Async programming
Easy multithreading
Compiles to C# using Roslyn
Consumes any .NET assembly by providing all methods as nodes

Core Libraries

2d drawing (GPU accelerated) with SVG and PDF export based on SkiaSharp
Dear ImGui based rapid UI creation
Serialization, async File IO, XML and JSON parsing and generation
2d and 3d math library with collision detection operations

3D rendering

High-level scenegraph based workflow with lights, shadows, an extensive material pipeline and various PostFX (ambient occlusion, depth of field, …)
Low-level shader based workflow with full access to the engine
OpenXR support
Based on the Stride 3d Engine
WebRenderer based on CEF

Visual GPU programming

Procedural noise
Signed distance field rendering
Customizable particle systems
Vector fields
Fluid simulation
Provided via the contributed FUSE library

Computer Vision

Image filters
Feature detection and tracking
Aruco 3D marker tracking
Camera and projector calibration
Based on OpenCVSharp

Machine Learning

Use GPU accelerated MediaPipe models
Controlling Wekinator models is available via a contributed package

Devices and IO Protocols

Kinect v1, v2, Azure
Intel RealSense, Orbbec Astra, StereoLabs ZED, Nuitrack
Industrial cameras by The Imaging Source
uEye & uEye+ cameras by IDS-Imaging
Hand tracking devices by Ultraleap
DeckLink capture cards by Blackmagic Design
SerialPort, OSC, MIDI, Redis, DMX, Art-Net, Firmata, UDP, TCP, RCP, WebSocket, HTTP, ZMQ, MQTT, …

Anything missing?

Browse the full list of VL packages available
Access >100k .NET packages via nuget.org
Learn about extending vvvv with your own nodes

Showcase

Showreels

Recent

Responsive Spaces

SMART DATA + DU

An immersive exhibition featuring six interactive stations and a 360° LED wall that visualizes data transformation in real time.

Marshmallow Laser Feast

Seeing Echoes in the Mind of the Whale

A large-scale video installation that extends our eyeballs, and other senses, to the sonic realm of whales, offering a glimpse into their unique way of navigating, communicating, and experiencing the world.

Studio MUX

LightSpray — Digital Graffiti

LightSpray enables the creation of digital graffiti at events. It works with various display systems and offers customizable colors, spray cans, backgrounds, and overlays. Finished artworks can be downloaded via QR code.

Responsive Spaces

HOUSE OF SILHOUETTE

A curved LED wall that defines the store’s ambiance, displaying real-time animations that blend sharpness, blur, and light refraction with brand messaging.

wirmachenbunt

Icon's World

An immersive show, which is part of the ongoing exhibition “ICONIC – A Timeless Journey of Culture, Society, and Mobility.” Located at The Drive Berlin (Volkswagen Group Forum).

There are 36 recent projects to discover.

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