Pros of Aseprite

• More active development with frequent updates and new features
• Larger community and user base, leading to better support and resources
• Professional-grade tool used in commercial game development

Cons of Aseprite

• Proprietary software with a paid license required for the latest version
• Less customizable and modifiable compared to open-source alternatives
• Limited platform support (primarily Windows, macOS, and Linux)

Code Comparison

Aseprite (C++):

void Editor::setZoom(render::Zoom zoom) {
  setZoomAndUpdate(zoom, true);
}

LibreSprite (C++):

void Editor::setZoom(render::Zoom zoom) {
  m_zoom = zoom;
  notifyZoomChanged();
}

Both projects use similar C++ codebases, but LibreSprite's implementation is often simpler due to its focus on maintaining core functionality. Aseprite tends to have more complex code structures to support its advanced features and optimizations.

LibreSprite is an open-source fork of Aseprite, offering a free alternative with similar core functionality. It's more customizable and community-driven but lacks some of the polish and advanced features of Aseprite. The choice between the two depends on individual needs, budget constraints, and preference for open-source vs. proprietary software.

Pros of Piskel

• Web-based application, accessible from any browser without installation
• Simpler interface, potentially easier for beginners
• Supports animation preview and export to various formats

Cons of Piskel

• Limited advanced features compared to desktop applications
• Dependent on internet connection for full functionality
• Less frequent updates and maintenance

Code Comparison

Piskel (JavaScript):

ns.Piskel = function(descriptionId) {
  this.description = {
    name: '',
    description: '',
    fps: Constants.DEFAULT.FPS,
    width: Constants.DEFAULT.WIDTH,
    height: Constants.DEFAULT.HEIGHT
  };
  // ...
};

LibreSprite (C++):

class Document : public app::Context {
public:
  Document(const Sprite* sprite = nullptr);
  ~Document();

  Sprite* sprite() { return m_sprite; }
  const Sprite* sprite() const { return m_sprite; }
  // ...
};

LibreSprite is a more comprehensive desktop application with advanced features, while Piskel offers a simpler, web-based solution for pixel art creation. LibreSprite provides a native experience with potentially better performance, whereas Piskel's accessibility and ease of use make it suitable for quick projects or beginners. The code snippets highlight the different languages and approaches used in these projects.

Pros of OpenToonz

• More comprehensive animation toolset, including advanced rigging and effects
• Larger and more active community, with regular updates and contributions
• Industry-standard software used in professional animation studios

Cons of OpenToonz

• Steeper learning curve due to its complex feature set
• Heavier resource usage, potentially slower on older hardware
• Less suitable for pixel art or simple sprite animation

Code Comparison

OpenToonz (C++):

void ToonzScene::load(const TFilePath &fp) {
    TIStream is(fp);
    if (!is) {
        throw TException("Unable to read scene file " + fp.getWideString());
    }
    loadData(is);
}

LibreSprite (C++):

void Document::load(const std::string& filename) {
    FileOp* fop = FileOp::createLoadDocumentOperation(nullptr, filename, false);
    if (!fop || !fop->execute())
        throw std::runtime_error("Error loading file");
    reset(fop->releaseDocument());
}

Both repositories use C++ and handle file loading operations, but OpenToonz's code appears more focused on scene management, while LibreSprite's code is geared towards document handling in a sprite-based context.

Pros of Synfig

• More comprehensive animation toolset, including vector graphics and keyframe animation
• Supports a wider range of output formats, including video and image sequences
• Larger and more active community, with more frequent updates and contributions

Cons of Synfig

• Steeper learning curve due to its more complex feature set
• Heavier resource usage, potentially slower on older hardware
• Less focused on pixel art and sprite creation compared to LibreSprite

Code Comparison

Synfig (C++):

bool Layer_PasteCanvas::set_param(const String &param, const ValueBase &value)
{
    if (param == "canvas" && value.get_type() == type_canvas)
    {
        set_canvas(value.get(Canvas::Handle()));
        return true;
    }
    return Layer_Composite::set_param(param, value);
}

LibreSprite (C++):

void Editor::setZoom(render::Zoom zoom)
{
  m_zoom = zoom;
  notifyZoomChanged();
}

Both projects use C++ and follow object-oriented programming principles. Synfig's code appears more complex, reflecting its broader feature set, while LibreSprite's code is more straightforward, focusing on specific sprite editing functionality.