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Programmer art
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Video_game_development/bzbpfYJd">video game development</a> and overall <a href="/facts/Software_development/UUfsAaYY">software development</a>, programmer art refers to assets created by <a href="/facts/Software_developer/WGTS1Jv9">programmers</a>. </p> <p>Programmer art is made when there is an immediate need for an asset that does not yet exist. When this happens, a programmer will often use or create a placeholder, meant to be replaced at a later time before the <a href="/facts/Project/7pXnTsmF">project</a> is published. </p><p>The term <i>programmer art</i> can encompass any art created by programmers. These assets can serve various purposes, such as quick testing of features, behind-the-scenes reasons, or even being intended for <a href="/facts/End_user/7IM9qu7N">end-user</a> display. The effort invested in an asset depends on its context and whether it will be replaced or not. Generally, programmer art is a placeholder graphic, meant to be replaced. </p><p>It is a recurring trope for programmers, who are often believed to be logical-minded, to have little experience with or interest in creating art. It is somewhat seen as a contrast, leading to the creation of the term. </p><p>In <a href="/facts/Indie_game/yacpsYTA">indie games</a>, programmer art is often the norm as small-time developers rarely have dedicated artists or budgets for professionally made assets. It can also be a deliberate choice as some end-users prefer it for its authenticity. </p><p>Common forms of programmer art include <a href="/facts/Stick_figure/G3Jjsv2C">stick figure</a> <a href="/facts/Sprite_(computer_graphics)/qLHf8V8e">sprites</a> in side-scrolling games, <a href="/facts/Fuchsia_(color)/tszoybMG">fuchsia</a> <a href="/facts/Texture_mapping/9gDTsuXN">textures</a> in games using <a href="/facts/3D_modeling/6V3Ry9AJ">3D models</a>, and grid textures for level geometry. Games with a "top-down" perspective tend to use alphanumeric characters and simple <a href="/facts/2D_computer_graphics/j6dBxDpX">2D graphics</a> to represent characters and landscape elements. </p>