04-text.py

from nodeboxgl.graphics import *

# The classic NodeBox for Mac OS X has an interesting textpath() function
# that transforms a string into a BezierPath.
# This function is partly emulated in NodeBox for OpenGL, as long as 
# you stick with the default fonts (Droid Sans, Droid Sans Mono, Droid Serif).
# Note: there is a way to make more fonts available - see nodebox/font/glyph.py,
# relying on the classic NodeBox to do the calculations.
path = textpath("GROW", x=40, y=200, fontname="Arial", fontsize=100, bold=True)

# Now that we have a BezierPath from the text we can use all sorts of math on it.
# Calculate a list of points (PathElement objects), evenly distributed along the path:
points = list(path.points(1000))

def draw(canvas):
    
    fill(0.2, 0.2, 0, max(0.1, 1-canvas.frame*0.05)) # Less opacity over time.
    
    for pt in points:
        ellipse(pt.x, pt.y, 1, 1)
        
        # Each frame, adjust the position of the point a little bit.
        # Since we are not clearing the background,
        # it will appear as if something is growing from the text.
        pt.x += random(-1.0, 1.0)
        pt.y += random(-1.0, 1.0)

canvas.fps  = 20
canvas.size = 500, 500
canvas.run(draw)