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The Processing environment is written in Java. Programs written in Processing are also translated to Java and then run as Java programs. Programs written in Java and Processing will usually run faster than programs based on scripting languages like ActionScript and Lingo, which is important for many graphics applications.

Large distinctions between Processing and Java are the Processing graphics library and a simplified programming style that doesn't require users to understand more advanced concepts like classes, objects, or animation and double-buffering (while still making them accessible for advanced users). Such technical details must be specifically programmed in Java, but are integrated into Processing, making programs shorter and easier to read.

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ActionScript is the language written for Macromedia's Flash software. Flash was originally created as web animation software and ActionScript is integrated into a timeline representation. ActionScript is based on JavaScript and Processing is built on Java, so there are many similarities between these two languages.

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Lingo is the language written for Macromedia's Director software. Director was the dominant environment for designers and artists making CD-ROM projects, but has declining in popularity during the web era due to the success of Flash. It is still one of the most commonly used environments and it has excellent libraries of code for extending its functionality.

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Python is considered to be an excellent teaching language because of its clear syntax and structure. Python is typically used for non-graphic applications. It doesn't have a native graphics library, but graphics applications may be created by using graphics toolkits, some of which are cross-platform.

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Design By Numbers (DBN) was developed for teaching general programming concepts to artists and designers with no prior programming experience. DBN is an extremely minimal language and environment, thus making it easy to learn but limited in its potential for creating advanced applications.

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