greenfoot ☆

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Description:
Teach object orientation with Java

Type: Cask | Latest Version: 3.9.0@0 | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | @GreenfootOrg | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: education java ide programming learning

Install: brew install --cask greenfoot

About:
Greenfoot is an educational IDE designed to teach object-oriented programming concepts using Java. It provides a visual interactive environment where students can create objects, such as actors in a scenario, and see them interact on a 2D grid. This approach helps beginners grasp complex programming logic through immediate visual feedback and game-like scenarios.

Key Features:

Visual 2D interactive environment for immediate feedback
Full Java language support within a simplified editor
Scenario-based learning framework for actors and worlds
Built-in class diagrams to visualize object relationships

Use Cases:

Teaching introductory computer science and OOP concepts in classrooms
Learning Java syntax and logic in a low-stress environment
Prototyping simple 2D games and simulations

Alternatives:

BlueJ – Greenfoot's predecessor; BlueJ focuses on class-level interaction, while Greenfoot focuses on object interaction in a visual world.
Processing – A flexible visual sketchbook for code; Processing is less structured for OOP teaching but excellent for creative coding.

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 15, 2025 12:16pm	3.9.0	0	VERSION_BUMP	fd557a61
Aug 5, 2025 2:19pm	3.9.0	0	VERSION_BUMP	d457bc21