SparkleJ Framework (SPJF, code name Sparkle) is a Java-based framework for creating graphical applications with an API inspired by MIT Scratch. It provides a modern, flexible, object-oriented approach to building interactive applications, while maintaining the simplicity and accessibility that Scratch is known for.

These goals are what this project aims at achieving, in chronological order. Below each goal is a brief description of why it matters, and when it was created (approximately).

1. Provide a Scratch-like Java API, but offer more flexibility without making things harder overall.
   • Some, like me, find code blocks and many restrictions very inconvenient for project creation. Sparkle fixes those issues by not featuring these two altogether. APIs are more flexible, and Java code is used instead of code blocks.
   • This goal was the primary fuel for working on Sparkle ever since the very beginning (May 2025).
2. Create a bridge between Scratch and Java worlds, allowing to advance step-by-step and allowing Scratchers to learn Java and get a taste of real-world programming.
   • As far as I heard, schools often teach students only procedural programming paradigm (which first appeared in good old C) and basics of programming, some just focus on working with existing software, which is usually not even remotely related to programming.
   • As a result, students that want to learn advanced programming in school don't get any idea about real-world programming. Especially the OOP paradigm, which is quite popular and widely used today.
   • Sparkle solves that by providing a well-structured OOP-based interface and layers of (over)simplification for newbies. Maybe it's even school-friendly? We'll find out some day...
   • This goal was placed in March 2026 and was already fulfilled upon its placement :]
3. Prove that Java is not "old and slow", but rather a good choice for graphical apps.
   • Many people think Java is a very slow platform for an unexplainable reason... Maybe because it was like that in its early days. Nowadays, it's definitely different. JIT compilers can optimize JVM bytecode at runtime so good, it can compete with GCC-compiled C/C++ binaries and sometimes even exceed their performance!
   • Moreover, performance isn't everything. Take a look at Minecraft, a game we all know and love. Original Minecraft is written in Java (with LWJGL for C/C++ bindings, and Sparkle uses LWJGL!). You might say it's not optimal, but that's because of the game's code itself, not the platform. Many optimization mods exist (like OptiFine, Sodium, etc.) and with them, the game runs much faster.
   • Sparkle has a potential to demonstrate how Java is evolving like any other platform, including C, Python, and C++. Maybe it will even revive Java gaming? Or it's just me (._.);
   • This goal was placed in April 2026.

While Sparkle shares conceptual similarities with Scratch, it's a completely different framework, with some aspects of its own design. The framework allows developers to write Java code instead of using code blocks, providing greater flexibility and access to Java's extensive ecosystem.

• You want more power and flexibility than what can be achieved through block scripts;
• You know about Scratch and want something closer to its syntax;
• You know basic OOP and Java and want to advance your Java skills without being constrained or limited.

• You do not like writing code, or if Java structures scare you;
• You prefer simplicity to flexibility;
• You want an exact copy of Scratch's model in Java.

Don't take it too personally if any of these statements are true for you! You still can try out Sparkle; this paragraph acts as a warning that you might not enjoy coding with it, not as a restriction layer. (^u^)

• Sprite-based programming: Create and manipulate sprites with properties like position, rotation, costumes, and sounds
• Stage management: Control the application stage with backdrops, custom drawing, and layer management
• Event-driven architecture: Comprehensive event system for handling user input, stage state changes, and custom events
• Rendering engine: 2D rendering capabilities with support for transformations, effects, and custom drawing
• Audio engine: Play and manipulate sounds with various effects
• Physics: 2D hitbox system for collision detection

The core module is structured into several key components:

1. Basic Elements: Sprites, stages, and event dispatcher provide most Scratch-like functionality
2. Data Management: Variables and lists that can be assigned to sprites/stages (via .variable subpackage)
3. System Architecture: Application context, vanilla components (audio manager, graphics manager, etc.), and support for custom user-made components

Does Sparkle or Java have "custom blocks"?: Yeah it's vanilla java methods lol

To get started with Sparkle:

1. Add these dependencies to your Maven project:

   <dependency>
       <groupId>net.fokinatorr.sparkle</groupId>
       <artifactId>sparkle-core</artifactId>
       <version>0.1-beta</version>
   </dependency>
   <dependency>
       <groupId>net.fokinatorr.sparkle</groupId>
       <artifactId>sparkle-core</artifactId>
       <version>0.1-beta</version>
       <classifier>(natives classifier)</classifier>
       <scope>runtime</scope>
   </dependency>

   Or, if you use Gradle:

   implementation 'net.fokinatorr.sparkle:sparkle-core:0.1-beta'
   runtimeOnly 'net.fokinatorr.sparkle:sparkle-core:0.1-beta:(natives classifier)'

   Replace (natives classifier) with either of: natives-windows (Windows amd64), natives-linux (Linux amd64), natives-macos-arm64 (macOS aarch64), or natives-macos (macOS x86_64), depending on your operating system and processor architecture.
2. Create a class extending SparkleApp
3. Implement your application logic using the Sparkle API

An IDE plugin for Sparkle is planned for future releases.

Most importantly, enjoy! :D

The framework is currently under active development with most core features implemented.

Note: The project is still in beta; feel free to contribute via pull requests, suggest features and improvements, and report bugs/issues. Please, make sure to be constructive in your posts, nobody likes whiners/spammers ;)

MIT License - see the license file for details.