In short, it is based on a set of instructions to move a pen in a way similar to the olden days' Turtle graphics approach: move forward, turn left or right by a certain angle, and also stack a copy to later restore the prior transform state (position, angle, etc...)

Dan Ritchie has implemented a plugin that adds such a L-system-based capability to Project Dogwaffle's PD Howler and PD Artist (or even PD Particles? test it).

Please bookmark this page and come back here for more.





Here is more information:

https://youtu.be/aiem2eAWesc

Downloading and Installing the L-system Plugin for Dogwaffle


Warning: if you have the latest version Dogwaffle, chances are that you already have the L-system included with it, and it is better/faster, implemented internally, not as a plugin. You will not want to use the plugin version in that case. Saved presets are not compatible between the plugin version (binary format) and the internalized version (XML format). The below is meant for use by those who don't have the latest Dogwaffle.

Simply download and save this archive (zip file) and then extract the files that it contains. 

L-system-for-dogwaffle.zip  (Size = 12.0 KB (12,342 bytes) )

It contains these files:

Lsystem_pf.exe - this is the 'pf' (plugin filter) file.

Lsystem_pf.exe.manifest - this is needed to provide the interface layout/style

*.Lsy files are presets. The plugin lets you save your parameters and we've done the same for a few presets you can use by loading them.

Note: At last implementation, the plugin is a free-floating window that can disappear behind the main Dogwaffle window, for example if you click anywhere in the Dogwaffle interface. In that case simply use Alt-Tab to toggle the stacking order back to reveal the plugin window.


There is no installer:  Simply place a copy of the files into the folder where your Project Dogwaffle installation is located. For example:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Howler
C:\Program Files (x86)\Artist

or if under Steam:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\PD_Howler_11

or similar.

You will then be able to find and launch the L-System plugin from the usual plugins panel (keyboard shortcut = 'k'). See below for details.


Note: If you run the plugin directly from the Windows Explorer interface rather than through the plugins manager, be aware that it needs to be launched as the same user as Dogwaffle is running. If you launched Dogwaffle as Administrator, run the plugin as Administrator too.


Interface:

Here's another way to get started:

1. go to the View menu to find...
2. Plugin panel (shortcut 'k' for killer plugins)
3. look in the Filter tab (click to refresh)
4. Double-click the Lsystem plugin filter (Lsystem_pf.exe)
5. Load a preset from the Settings menu
6. Click Calculate. You may want to adjust the StartY or other parameters to fit within your image size. The coordinates are up-side-down, i.e. Y=0 is the top. For example, to bring the Sierpinski Triangle to appear down lower, increase the Start Y value to 700, 800. 900 or more...

Click "Would you like to know more?" to return to this page.

Example: Sierpinski Triangle

What to do with it? Your imagination will know. Here's Sierpinski in Puppy Ray: