This program creates fractal images by plotting the Mandelbrot set derived from iterating complex functions of the form z^2 + c, varying c over the complex plane and then computing the orbit values for z = 0 + 0i. For each complex point c that is not in the set, the “escape velocity” of the orbit is represented by a shade of gray — the more iterations, the darker the shade. For each point c that is in the set, its color is determined by the modulus of the final computed orbit value.

To run the demo:

1. The initial fractal image is automatically generated.
2. Because the fractal image is recursive, you can use the mouse to drag a rectangle around an area that you want to zoom into.

The original Java Applets do not run in modern browsers, but you can download the Java code and run it locally on your desktop. Check back for JavaScript and Python versions - coming soon!

Downloads