`bezierVertex()`

The bezierVertex() function in p5.js allows you to create smooth curves by defining control points for your shapes. This is particularly useful in creative coding when you want to draw complex, organic shapes or paths that aren't easily achieved with straight lines. For example, in a fantasy RPG sketch, you can create winding paths or flowing landscapes that captivate the viewer's imagination.

📖 p5.js Reference →

🧠 See The Whole Picture

Think of the canvas as a blank piece of paper. The bezierVertex() function plants a pen at the current position, then draws a smooth curve toward the specified endpoint, shaped by the control points, much like how a pen glides across the paper following your hand's motion.

📖 Visual Learner's Guide

The Big Picture:

When you run this code, you would see a smooth curve drawn on the canvas, creating an elegant shape that flows gracefully.

Visual Analogy:

Imagine drawing a winding river with a flexible straw. The end of the straw is where the river flows to, while the bends of the straw shape the river's path.

The Numbers Decoded:

For example, if x1=200, it means the curve ends 200 pixels from the left edge of the canvas, while y1=150 means it ends 150 pixels down from the top. The control points shape the curve's flow.

Connection Map:

Just like how fill() colors the inside of a shape and stroke() defines its outline, bezierVertex() creates the shape's outline based on your control points.

Common Gotcha:

Many beginners forget that bezierVertex() requires a previous vertex to draw from. Without starting with a vertex, the curve cannot be created!

🔄 How It Works

graph TD A[Your Code] --> B[bezierVertex] B --> C[Canvas] style B fill:#ff6b6b

This diagram shows how your code passes through the bezierVertex function to produce visual output on the canvas.

📝 Syntax

📖 How to Read This

Read bezierVertex(x1, y1, x2, y2, x3, y3) as: 'Draw a curve from the current position to the point defined by (x1, y1) using control points (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) to shape the curve. The parentheses hold the necessary info to create the curve, like a recipe book for baking a cake.'

bezierVertex(param1, param2, ...)

Example: bezierVertex(200, 150, 80)

🔀 Different Ways to Call It

bezierVertex(value)

This form is used when you want to create a simple curve with a single control point.

bezierVertex(128) → This will create a minimal curve, showing how even a single point can alter the shape.

bezierVertex(v1, v2, v3)

This form is used when you want to define a curve with multiple control points.

bezierVertex(255, 100, 50) → This will produce a more complex curve that can create dynamic shapes.

↩️ What It Returns

Type: void

The bezierVertex() function does not return any value; it directly modifies the shape on the canvas, like a painter applying strokes to a blank canvas.

📥 What Goes In

You provide bezierVertex() with a series of numbers. The first two are like a destination point - they tell WHERE to end the curve. The next points are like guiding hands that shape how the curve moves toward that destination.

📤 What Happens

When you call bezierVertex(), it takes your input and draws a smooth curve on the canvas. It follows the active stroke color for the outline and fills the shape with the current fill color, creating a visually appealing path.

Parameters

x1 Number required

A Number represents any digit, like 100 or -50. Think of it as a coordinate on a grid.

This controls the ending point of the curve. Typical values are based on your canvas size. A value of 0 would be at the left edge, while max values (like 400 on a 400px wide canvas) would be at the right edge.

Range: 0 to canvas width/height

Examples: 0 → Curve starts from the left edge. 200 → Curve is centered. 400 → Curve ends at the right edge.

💡 How Parameters Work Together

Imagine you're shaping a piece of clay. The end point (x1, y1) is where you want the clay to end up, while the control points guide how the clay flows and bends. The smoother the control points are set, the more fluid your shape will appear.

💻 Working Example

// Complete working example with comments
function setup() {
  createCanvas(400, 400);
}

function draw() {
  background(220);
  beginShape();
  vertex(100, 300);
  bezierVertex(200, 100, 300, 300, 400, 200);
  endShape();
}

Try This Code →

⚙️ How It Works

When p5.js executes bezierVertex(), it reads the current position as the starting point and uses the provided control points to calculate the curve's shape. It then modifies the canvas state, drawing a curve that fits the defined parameters seamlessly into the current path.

🎓 Learn Prompt Patterns

These patterns help you write better prompts for ANY function:

🎭 Persona Pattern

Tell the AI to act as a specific type of creator

"Act as a creative coder making generative art. Use bezierVertex() to create a flowing river scene."

Why it works: Giving the AI a persona helps it understand the CONTEXT and style you want.

📋 Recipe Pattern

Ask for step-by-step instructions

"Give me step-by-step code to use bezierVertex() to create a winding path. Start simple, then add complexity."

Why it works: Breaking down into steps helps you understand each part and learn incrementally.

📝 Template Pattern

Provide a structure for the AI to fill in

"Use this template: setup creates a canvas, draw uses bezierVertex() with specific parameters to make a flowing landscape."

Why it works: Templates give the AI clear constraints, resulting in more predictable output.

🔄 Refinement Pattern

Start simple and iterate

"Start with a basic bezierVertex() example. Then I'll ask you to add color, animation, and interaction."

Why it works: Building up gradually helps you understand each addition without feeling overwhelmed.

🎯 Direct Prompts - Name the Function

Tell the AI exactly which function to use:

Direct

"Use bezierVertex() to create a dragon's winding tail."

💡 Why this is good: This prompt structure encourages creativity while focusing on the use of bezierVertex.

📚 What you learn: You learn to visualize complex shapes using bezierVertex().

📝 Sample Output:

// Full working code example creating a dragon's tail with bezierVertex().

Direct

"Create a flower shape using bezierVertex() with colorful petals."

💡 Why this is good: Step-by-step instructions help break down the task into manageable parts.

📚 What you learn: You learn how to design floral shapes through creative coding.

📝 Sample Output:

// Complete code for a flower shape using bezierVertex().

🔮 Indirect Prompts - Describe What You Want

Don't name the function - see if the AI figures out to use bezierVertex():

Indirect

"Describe a natural flowing shape like a river or vine without naming bezierVertex()."

💡 Why this is good: This teaches you to communicate visual intent without focusing on specific functions.

� What you learn: You learn to express your creative vision.

📝 Sample Output:

// Code showing how the AI applies bezierVertex() based on the description.

🖼️ See It In Real Sketches

How bezierVertex() is used in actual gallery sketches:

AI Quest Master v2 - Fantasy RPG - XeLseDai

bezierVertex() is used to create winding paths through different settings, representing the adventure's journey.

// Example code snippet showing bezierVertex() in context: 
function drawScene(setting) {
  switch (setting) {
    case 'forest':
      beginShape();
...

🔀 Fun Function Combinations

Try asking the AI to combine bezierVertex() with these:

bezierVertex() + noise()

→ Creates organic, flowing shapes that mimic the randomness found in nature.

Try: "Combine bezierVertex() with noise() to create a wavy landscape."

// Example code combining bezierVertex() with noise() to create a landscape.
function draw() {
  background(220);
  beginShape();
  for (let x = 0; x < width; x += 10) {
    let y = noise(x * 0.01) * height;
    vertex(x, y);
  }
  endShape();
}

⚠️ Common Mistakes & Fixes

❌ Mistake: Forgetting to call vertex() before bezierVertex()

🤔 Why it's wrong: This happens because bezierVertex() requires a starting point to create a curve.

✅ Fix: // Corrected code with vertex() before bezierVertex(): beginShape(); vertex(100, 300); bezierVertex(200, 100, 300, 300, 400, 200); endShape();

🗺️ Learning Path

💡 Project Ideas

Create a flowing river scene
Design abstract shapes
Build a character path in a game

🤖 Ask xelsed-alpha6 to Explain

Your prompt:

"Explain what bezierVertex() does in p5.js"

Try this prompt in p5js.AI to see how the AI explains it!

Try in p5js.AI →

💡 Prompt AI to Write Code Using bezierVertex()

Example prompt:

"Create something using bezierVertex()"

🔧 Ask AI to Help Debug

When stuck, try:

"My bezierVertex() isn't working, help me debug"

✨ Creative Combinations with AI

Ask AI to combine functions:

"Combine bezierVertex() with other functions for interesting effects"

Ready to Try bezierVertex()?

Open p5js.AI and ask the AI to help you use bezierVertex() in your own creative project.

Start Coding with AI →

bezierVertex()

🧠 See The Whole Picture

📖 Visual Learner's Guide

The Big Picture:

Visual Analogy:

The Numbers Decoded:

Connection Map:

Common Gotcha:

🔄 How It Works

📝 Syntax

📖 How to Read This

🔀 Different Ways to Call It

↩️ What It Returns

🎛️ Mode-Dependent Behavior

📥 What Goes In

📤 What Happens

Parameters

💡 How Parameters Work Together

💻 Working Example

⚙️ How It Works

🎓 Learn Prompt Patterns

🎭 Persona Pattern

📋 Recipe Pattern

📝 Template Pattern

🔄 Refinement Pattern

🎯 Direct Prompts - Name the Function

🔮 Indirect Prompts - Describe What You Want

🖼️ See It In Real Sketches

AI Quest Master v2 - Fantasy RPG - XeLseDai

🔀 Fun Function Combinations

⚠️ Common Mistakes & Fixes

🗺️ Learning Path

💡 Project Ideas

🤖 Ask xelsed-alpha6 to Explain

💡 Prompt AI to Write Code Using bezierVertex()

🔧 Ask AI to Help Debug

✨ Creative Combinations with AI

Ready to Try bezierVertex()?

`bezierVertex()`