Start Here
Everything you need to go from zero to live coding. Tools for sound, tools for visuals, community spaces, and learning resources. All free. No experience required.
Make Sound
Tidal Cycles
The most widely used live coding language in the Algorave community. Write rhythmic and melodic patterns in Haskell-like syntax. Runs on SuperCollider for synthesis. Steep but rewarding learning curve — the community is excellent.
Strudel.cc
A JavaScript port of Tidal Cycles that runs entirely in your browser. The fastest way to start live coding music. Open the website, start typing, hear sound immediately. Perfect for beginners and for performing without a complex setup.
SuperCollider
A powerful audio synthesis and algorithmic composition environment. Used as the sound engine for Tidal Cycles, but also a complete live coding environment in its own right. More complex, more powerful.
FoxDot
Live coding music with Python. If you already know Python, FoxDot is a gentle entry point into live coding. Uses SuperCollider for synthesis. Less pattern-focused than Tidal, more object-oriented.
Make Visuals
Hydra
A browser-based live coding environment for generating and mixing video feedback loops and generative visuals. Inspired by analog video synthesizers. Extremely expressive with minimal syntax. Works beautifully alongside Tidal Cycles or Strudel.
p5.js
A JavaScript library for creative coding. Not strictly a live coding tool, but widely used for generative visuals and can be adapted for live performance. Huge community, excellent documentation, great starting point for visual artists.
GLSL / Fragment Shaders
OpenGL Shading Language — write programs that run directly on the GPU to generate visuals at full frame rate. The foundation of most advanced live visual coding. Tools like Shadertoy and The Force make it accessible.
Find Community
TOPLAP
Transnational Organisation for the Proliferation of Live Audio Programming. The global home of live coding culture. Forum, events calendar, manifesto, and connections to live coding communities worldwide.
Algorave.com
The official home of the Algorave movement. Event listings from chapters worldwide, history, and links to the broader live coding community. Find events near you or connect with other chapters.
Tidal Club Forum
The primary discussion forum for Tidal Cycles users. Ask questions, share patterns, get help with installation, and connect with experienced live coders. Welcoming to beginners.
Learn The Craft
Tidal Cycles Docs
The complete reference for Tidal Cycles — installation guides, function reference, tutorials, and pattern examples. Start with the "Getting Started" section and work through the mini-tutorials.
The Book of Shaders
A free, interactive online book for learning GLSL fragment shaders from scratch. Beautifully written, with live editable examples. The best resource for getting into GPU-based visual live coding.
Hydra Book
A community-maintained guide to Hydra with examples, techniques, and explanations of the underlying concepts. Covers everything from basic shapes to complex feedback systems.
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