Code Swarm Visualization Project

I just can’t get enough of the code swarm visualization project. Michael Ogawa used Processing to create an “organic visualization” of well known open source projects like Python and PostgreSQL. It shows commits, by developer over time. Clouds of influence drift in and out of the core ring, branches tug one another back and forth as the code explodes across cyberspace.

I tried it full screen and zoned out so bad I got the munchies. So it’s my new Calgon. I like to load up some vintage Apache and play a quick round of “Spot the Hyperic Exec[tm]“. Watch it, and see who comes cannonballing right into the angry heart of the swarm. If you listen closely, you can hear him scream “Leeroy Jenkins!” before being engulfed by the flaming core.

I’d love to see the intermingled storm of swarms you’d have in a given Linux distro or among packages and applications in a LAMP stack. Set to the 1812 Overture and projected in the observatory.

I may just get to see that, since Michael says he’s going to open the code when he gets the time to clean it up. Then anyone can turn their most beloved open source project into the 4th of July. Of course it doesn’t have to be applied to just code commits, it could be applied to visualizing activity in social media, along cultural memes, historic people and events. Imagine seeing a swarm of politicians and the legislation that they “commit” to law. Or instances of disease by geography over time. Or musicians by genre.

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