Live Coding: A Creative Practice with Code

Created By: Bard

Live coding is a creative practice that involves writing and running code in real time, often in front of an audience. It is used to generate a variety of outputs, including music, visuals, text, and even interactive installations.  It is used to correct bugs, distortions, or programming errors.

Live coders typically use a variety of programming languages and tools to create their work. Some popular languages include SuperCollider, Pure Data, and TidalCycles. In addition to programming languages, live coders often use visual programming environments and other tools to help them create and manipulate code in real time.

Live coding can be used to create a wide range of creative works. Some common examples include:

Music: Live coders can use code to generate and manipulate sound in real time. This can be used to create anything from simple electronic beats to complex musical compositions.

Visuals: Live coders can use code to generate and manipulate visuals in real time. This can be used to create anything from simple animations to complex interactive visuals.

Text: Live coders can use code to generate and manipulate text in real time. This can be used to create anything from poems and stories to interactive text-based experiences.

Interactive installations: Live coders can use code to create interactive installations that respond to user input. This can be used to create anything from simple games to complex interactive art pieces.

Live coding is a relatively new creative practice, but it has quickly gained popularity in recent years. This is due in part to the increasing availability of powerful and affordable computing devices, as well as the development of new programming languages and tools that make it easier to create and manipulate code in real time.

Live coding is also a very accessible creative practice. Anyone can learn to live code, regardless of their technical background. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you the basics of live coding.

If you are interested in learning more about live coding, I recommend checking out the following resources:

TOPLAP: https://toplap.org/ is a website that is dedicated to live coding. It contains a wealth of information on live coding, including tutorials, articles, and videos.

Live Coding: A User’s Manual: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262544818/ is a book by Alex McLean that provides a comprehensive introduction to live coding.

I hope this article has given you a good introduction to live coding. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to check out the resources listed above.