GRASS (programming language)

GRASS (GRAphics Symbiosis System) is a programming language created to script 2D vector graphics animations. GRASS was similar to BASIC in syntax, but added numerous instructions for specifying 2D object animation, including scaling, translation and rotation over time. These functions were directly supported by the Vector General 3D graphics terminal GRASS was written for. It quickly became a hit with the artistic community who were experimenting with the new medium of computer graphics, and is most famous for its use by Larry Cuba to create the original "attacking the Death Star will not be easy" animation in Star Wars (1977).

As part of a later partnership with Midway Games, the language was ported to the Midway's Z80-based Z Box. This machine used raster graphics and a form of sprites, which required extensive changes to support, along with animating color changes. This version was known as ZGRASS.


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