What's a simple language to use for creating graphics?

Question

What is a rapid coding language or platform for quickly creating data visualization images in 2d and 3d?

I want to rapidly code up visualizations like this: http://www.visualcomplexity.com/vc

I already know how to code OpenGL and DirectX, but those environments are built for rendering speed not coding speed.

To try out many different ideas I don't care if the language is interpreted or slower to render - just the ability to get things on screen in a short amount of time for prototyping.

Maybe even a graphics language for kids would work - or not, I'm open to ideas.

Answer 1

There is processing, http://processing.org/ which allow quick and dirty code to visualize data. Mostly used by researchers not viable in production. It is written in java. I had a terrible time with it so I am not really fond of it.

Otherwise, you can use python and GraphViz for 2d graph, http://www.graphviz.org/. Python allows really fast development with an easy learning curve.