Fractals–complex mathematically generated shapes and patterns–are among the most intriguing forms of computer-generated art. There are a dozen or more different types of fractals in the collection of fractal images created by J.C. Sprott, professor of physics at the Madison campus of the University of Wisconsin. Sprott says he produces all of these fractal patterns differently using custom software that he wrote, mostly in PowerBASIC.
Sprott’s computer program creates a new fractal image–the Fractal of the Day–every day a few minutes past midnight.
Sprott’s Web site also features background and accompanying screen images of a software program he co-wrote titled “Chaos Demonstration.”
More of Sprott’s fractal images can be viewed in his Fractal Gallery.
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Previously, Bill was an IT manager in the social research and energy industries. He has bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Louisville, where he has also lectured on computer crime and crime prevention.
