Well there are quite a few options I suppose.
Besides the core Network and Serial libraries, check out some of
these libraries that use different protocols enabling exchange of data between programs. For example oscP5, proJMS and EEML Library.
Additionally when you are on the same computer at the same time, you could even use something as simple as one or more txt files. This also depends on the frequency and amount of communication. Of course the last option is pretty basic, but sometimes it is sufficient.
All in all a lot of options. Choose wisely!