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Welcome to Custom P5.js Docs!

· 4 min read
Colby
Colby
Doc Creator

Welcome to Custom P5.js Docs - your new resource for learning game development with p5.js!

I'm excited to launch this documentation site with our first two complete game tutorials. Whether you're a beginner just learning to code or looking to build your first games, these step-by-step guides will help you create fun, playable games from scratch.

What is This Site?​

Custom P5.js Docs provides beginner-friendly, step-by-step tutorials for building games using p5.js. Each tutorial is designed to teach fundamental game development concepts while creating something fun and interactive.

Why I Created This​

I originally built this site to help my classmates with our class project. We were all learning to create games with p5.js, and I noticed many of us were struggling with the same concepts. The official p5.js documentation is great for reference, but it doesn't provide step-by-step guidance for building complete games.

So I decided to create detailed tutorials that explain not just what the code does, but why it works that way. What started as notes for my class has grown into a full documentation site that I hope will help many more beginners learn game development!

First Release: Two Complete Game Tutorials! 🚀​

I'm launching with two complete game tutorials, each broken down into easy-to-follow steps with detailed explanations of every line of code.

🍪 Cookie Clicker Tutorial​

Build an idle clicker game where players click a cookie to earn points and buy auto-clickers that generate cookies automatically!

What you'll learn:

  • Mouse click detection
  • Animation and visual effects (bouncing, floating text, particles)
  • Upgrade systems with exponential cost scaling
  • Button interactions and hover effects
  • Score tracking and game economy

Tutorial includes:

  • 5 progressive steps from basic setup to polished game
  • Complete working code you can customize
  • Visual feedback systems
  • Milestone celebrations

Start Cookie Clicker Tutorial →

🐛 Worm Tutorial​

Create the classic arcade game where a worm moves around the screen, eats food to grow, and must avoid hitting walls or itself!

What you'll learn:

  • Grid-based movement systems
  • Keyboard controls (arrow keys)
  • Arrays and data structures
  • Collision detection (walls and self-collision)
  • Game over and restart systems
  • Random food placement

Tutorial includes:

  • 5 step-by-step lessons
  • Complete collision detection logic
  • Game state management
  • Restart functionality

Start Worm Tutorial →

Tutorial Philosophy 💡​

These tutorials are designed with a specific approach:

Detailed Explanations​

Every code section includes "Breaking it down" explanations. You won't just copy code - you'll understand why it works and how to modify it.

Progressive Learning​

Each step builds on the previous one. Start with the basics and gradually add features, seeing your game grow with each step.

Starting Points, Not Endpoints​

These are basic tutorials meant to teach fundamentals. Once you complete them, use what you've learned as a foundation to:

  • Add your own features
  • Change the visuals
  • Create something completely new
  • Combine concepts from multiple tutorials

Type, Don't Copy​

For best learning results, type the code yourself instead of copy-pasting. This helps build muscle memory and deeper understanding.

What Makes These Tutorials Different?​

  • No prior experience needed - Start from zero
  • Every line explained - Understand what each part does
  • Visual examples - See concepts illustrated
  • Complete code provided - Reference when you need it
  • Customization ideas - Suggestions for making it your own
  • "What You Learned" summaries - Reinforce key concepts

Getting Started​

Ready to build your first game? Here's how:

  1. No installation needed - Just open https://editor.p5js.org/
  2. Pick a tutorial - Choose Cookie Clicker or Worm
  3. Follow along - Work through each step at your own pace
  4. Experiment - Change values, add features, break things and fix them
  5. Share - Show off your creation!

What's Next?​

This is just the beginning! I plan to add more game tutorials covering different concepts:

  • Platformer games
  • Puzzle games
  • Arcade classics
  • Drawing and art tools
  • And more!

Each new tutorial will teach different programming concepts and game development techniques.

Feedback Welcome!​

This site is designed to help you learn. If you have:

  • Questions about the tutorials
  • Suggestions for new games to cover
  • Ideas for improvements
  • Bugs or issues to report

I'd love to hear from you! Check out my website to contact me.

Let's Build Something!​

Game development is incredibly rewarding. There's nothing quite like seeing something you created come to life on screen and actually being able to play it.

Don't worry about making mistakes - that's how we learn. Start small, experiment often, and most importantly, have fun!

Ready to create your first game? Pick a tutorial and let's get started! 🎮

Happy coding!
Colby

Check out the tutorials: