of-skill

name	of-skill
description	openFrameworks conventions, gotchas, addon patterns, and build system behavior. Use when writing, reviewing, or debugging any openFrameworks code — addons, apps, or CI.
license	MIT

openFrameworks Skill

C++ toolkit for creative coding. oF is not a framework — it's a set of libraries with a consistent API wrapped around OpenGL, audio, video, and input.

Docs: https://openframeworks.cc Version: 0.12.1+ (C++17). Use v0.12.1+ unless explicitly told otherwise. Platform: macOS (primary dev), Linux, Windows

Reference Files

• api-conventions.md — Coding style, naming, class patterns, oF-specific conventions
• gotchas.md — Build system behavior, addon_config.mk traps, platform differences, bad know-how
• addon-guide.md — How to structure, configure, and build an oF addon (addon_config.mk, addons.make, directory layout, CI)

30-Second Summary

• oF is header-heavy with implicit conventions. No strict ABI, no namespace (everything in global scope with of prefix).
• The build system is NOT standard make. It uses compile.project.mk which parses addons.make → reads each addon's addon_config.mk → applies platform-specific sections.
• addons.make and addon_config.mk are unrelated files serving different purposes. addons.make = which addons to use (in project dir). addon_config.mk = how an addon builds (in addon root).
• camelCase everywhere. oF uses camelCase for everything: class names (ofTexture), methods (draw()), variables (width), files (ofApp.cpp).
• ofApp.cpp is the entry point. Single-file implementation preferred until refactoring is warranted.

Naming Convention

Element	Style	Example
Classes	camelCase, of prefix	ofTexture, ofxOsc
Methods	camelCase	setup(), draw(), getWidth()
Variables	camelCase	frameNum, windowWidth
Files	camelCase	ofApp.cpp, ofMain.cpp
Addon prefix	ofx	ofxOsc, ofxGui
Member variables	camelCase, no prefix	width not m_width