processing/p5.js

new getCamera function for V1 & V2

Open

#8097 opened on Sep 19, 2025

View on GitHub
 (10 comments) (0 reactions) (1 assignee)JavaScript (20,784 stars) (3,178 forks)batch import
Area:WebGLFeature RequestGood First IssueHelp Wanted

Description

Increasing access

It would provide compatability between versions 1 & 2 but more importantly provide users and library creators a standard method to access, modify and set cameras.

Most appropriate sub-area of p5.js?

  • Accessibility
  • Color
  • Core/Environment/Rendering
  • Data
  • DOM
  • Events
  • Image
  • IO
  • Math
  • Typography
  • Utilities
  • WebGL
  • Build process
  • Unit testing
  • Internationalization
  • Friendly errors
  • Other (specify if possible)

Feature request details

I suggest a new function for both V1 and V2 that returns a reference to the current camera object, something like

// V2
RendererGL.prototype.getCamera = function(cam) {
    return this.states.setValue('curCamera', cam);
}

// V1
RendererGL.prototype.getCamera = function(cam) {
    return this._curCamera;
}

This would provide compatibility between versions.

Additional comment:

I see that in version 2.0.5 the createCamera method still sets the newly created camera as the default. See issues 5941, 7077 and 7102

Contributor guide

Tech stack
javascript
Domain
api
Issue type
feature
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
2
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
blocked
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
p5.js basicsWebGL
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
40
Research direction
Explore the p5.js WebGL camera implementation in src/webgl/p5.Camera.js. Note that the issue proposes a getCamera function that returns the current camera, referencing the approach used in V1 (this. curCamera) and V2 (this.states.setValue('curCamera', cam)). Review linked issues #5941, #7077, and PR #7102 for context. Implement the function in both V1 and V2 renderers, ensuring backward compatibility. Add corresponding unit tests.