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All things livecoding
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All things livecoding

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# All things live coding [![Awesome](https://awesome.re/badge.svg)](https://awesome.re)



> A curated list of live coding languages and tools



This list was created with the intention of giving a quick-glance over the many possibilities to engage in this practice. For further information, head over to [TOPLAP](https://toplap.org).



## Contents



- [What is live coding](#what-is-live-coding)

- [Websites](#websites)

- [Community](#community)

- [Languages](#languages)

- [Libraries and tools](#libraries-and-tools)

- [To Watch](#to-watch)

- [To Read](#to-read)

- [To Dance](#to-dance)

- [Conferences](#conferences)

- [Related lists](#related-lists)

- [Acknowledgement](#acknowledgement)

- [How to Contribute](#how-to-contribute)

- [Code of Conduct](#code-of-conduct)



## What is live coding



Quoting [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_coding)



> Live coding (sometimes referred to as 'on-the-fly programming', 'just in time programming' and 'conversational programming') is a performing arts form and a creativity technique centred upon the writing of source code and the use of interactive programming in an improvised way.



## Websites



- [TOPLAP](https://toplap.org/) - The home of Live Coding.

- [LiveCoding.fr](https://livecoding.fr) - French-speaking information website on Live Coding



## Community



- [livecode mailing list](https://we.lurk.org/mailman3/lists/livecode.we.lurk.org/) - Old school email discussion list, going since 2004!

  - [Archive from February 2004 - August 2023](https://toplap.org/livecode-archive/)

  - [Current archive](https://we.lurk.org/archives/list/[email protected]/latest)

- Web forums

  - [TOPLAP Forum](https://forum.toplap.org) - A web-based 'discourse' forum for in-depth discussion and exchange around live coding.

  - [Tidal club](https://club.tidalcycles.org) - A discourse forum for TidalCycles (including for the [video course](https://club.tidalcycles.org/c/course/14?ascending=true&order=created))

  - [Lines Forum](https://llllllll.co/) - from the monome community, with loads of general music tech threads including [on live coding](https://llllllll.co/t/live-coding/5032) 

- Discord servers for live chat around live coding

  - [TOPLAP](https://discord.gg/D4Enr5u7Rp) - cross-community live coding chat + discussion 

  - [Estuary](https://discord.gg/twqWteAFA2)

  - [Hydra](https://discord.gg/cJBs9smhWE)

  - [Cane](https://discord.gg/UVYAtpYYD2)

  - [gwion](https://discord.gg/KmHqbTKSmS)

  - [Pure Data](https://discord.com/invite/AZ43djV)

  - [SuperCollider](https://discord.gg/ktz4xQZv7b)

  - [TidalCycles, Strudel and friends](https://discord.gg/CqWhZEfNbq)

  - [Bubo Tools](https://discord.gg/uJFF6rPKHH)

- Mastodon

  - Official TOPLAP mastodon instance: [TOPLAP Social](https://social.toplap.org/)

  - List of livecode communities and projects on mastodon: https://social.toplap.org/@toplap/111703319382988669

  - Other live coding-related and -adjacent instances include: [sonomu.club](https://sonomu.club/), [assemblag.es](https://assemblag.es) and [post.lurk.org](https://post.lurk.org)

  - General live coding-related accounts include: [@[email protected]](https://social.toplap.org/@toplap) [https://social.toplap.org/@algorave](@[email protected])

- [/r/livecoding](https://www.reddit.com/r/livecoding/) - The Live Coding subreddit.

- [livecode.demozoo.org](https://livecode.demozoo.org) - Archive of demoscene related live coding events.



## Languages



(In Alphabetical Order)



- [afterglow](https://github.com/brunchboy/afterglow) - A live-coding lighting controller, building on the Open Lighting Architecture with Clojure and bits of Overtone.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `lisp` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [Alda](https://github.com/alda-lang/alda) - A music programming language for musicians.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [Atomiix](https://github.com/rumblesan/atomiix) - A re-implementation and re-invigoration of ixi lang. (inactive)



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `SuperCollider` `audio`

  

- [Bacalao](https://github.com/totalgee/bacalao) - A live-coding library for SuperCollider inspired by Tidalcycles syntax.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `SuperCollider` `audio`



- [Cane](https://github.com/Jackojc/cane) - A small MIDI sequencer DSL designed around vectors and euclidean rhythms.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `audio` `MIDI` `Jack`



- [ChucK](http://chuck.cs.princeton.edu/) - Strongly-timed, Concurrent, and On-the-fly Music Programming Language.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [clive](https://mathr.co.uk/clive/) - Live-coding audio in C.



  `GNU/Linux` `C` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [Conductive](https://hackage.haskell.org/package/conductive-base) - A set of Haskell libraries for livecoding and real-time music applications. (inactive)



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `haskell`  `SuperCollider` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [Cyril](http://cyrilcode.com/) - A programming language designed for fast prototyping of visualisations and livecoding visuals. (inactive)



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `openFrameworks` `FLOSS` `visuals`



- [Extempore](https://extemporelang.github.io) - (Previously [Impromptu](http://impromptu.moso.com.au/)) A programming language and runtime environment designed to support 'cyberphysical programming'.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `lisp` `FLOSS` `audio`

  

- [Facet](https://github.com/mjcella/facet) - An open source livecoding environment in NodeJS with a text editor in the browser.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `NodeJS` `JavaScript` `midi` `Open Sound Control` `audio` `synthesis`



- [FaustLive](https://faustdoc.grame.fr/manual/overview/#faustlive) - FaustLive is an advanced self-contained prototyping environment for the Faust programming language with an ultra-short edit-compile-run cycle.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `faust` `llvm` `FLOSS` `audio` `DSP`



- [Fluxus](http://www.pawfal.org/Software/fluxus_/) - A rapid prototyping, playing and learning environment for 3D graphics, sound and games.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux | Android | PS2` `racket-lang` `lisp` `FLOSS` `visuals`



- [FoxDot](http://foxdot.org/) - Live Coding with Python and SuperCollider. See also the [pitchglitch](https://gitlab.com/iShapeNoise/foxdot) actively maintained fork.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `Python` `SuperCollider` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [Gibber](https://gibber.cc/) - Creative coding for JavaScript.



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `audio` `visuals`

  

- [Glicol](https://glicol.org/) - A graph-oriented live coding language written in Rust.



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `Rust` `JavaScript` `WebAssembly` `FLOSS` `audio` `visuals`



- [gwion](https://github.com/Gwion/Gwion) - :musical_note: strongly-timed musical programming language

  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `audio`

  

- [hydra](https://github.com/hydra-synth/hydra) - Live Coding networked visuals in the browser.



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `visuals`



- [Improviz](http://github.com/rumblesan/improviz) - An environment for using and abusing primitive shapes and animated textures. (inactive/deprecated)



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `Haskell` `FLOSS` `visuals`



- [Iannix](https://www.iannix.org/en/) - A graphical open-source sequencer for digital art



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `audio` `Open Sound Control` `visuals`



- [ixi lang](https://github.com/thormagnusson/ixilang) - An experimental project concerned with the creation of digital musical instruments and environments for generative music. (inactive)



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `SuperCollider` `audio`



- [ossia score](https://ossia.io/) - An interactive sequencer that allows live programming of intermedia, inter-protocol artworks, through a custom visual language.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `C++` `FLOSS` `audio`

  

- [kilobeat](https://ijc8.me/kilobeat) - A collaborative web-based dsp livecoding instrument inspired by bytebeat and Gibber.



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [Krill](https://github.com/Mdashdotdashn/krill) - Tidal cycle like live coding in NodeJS / Browser. (inactive)



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `NodeJS` `Browser` `FLOSS` `midi`

  

- [Limut](https://github.com/sdclibbery/limut) - Live code music and visuals in a web browser.

  

  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox | Safari` `web` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `audio` `visuals`



- [line](https://github.com/pd3v/line) - A tiny command-line midi sequencer and language for live coding.

  

  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `c++` `FLOSS` `midi` `audio`



- [LiveCodeLab](http://livecodelab.net) - A web-based language and environment for VJs, musicians and graphic artists. Allows for immediate and engaging run-as-you-type prototyping, also used in education. (inactive)



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `web` `FLOSS` `visuals` `audio`



- [Max](https://cycling74.com/products/max/) - A visual programming language for media.



  `Windows | macOS` `graphical-language` `Commercial` `audio` `visuals`

  

- [Melrōse](https://melrōse.org) - a MIDI producing environment for creating (live) music



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `golang` `web` `midi` `MIT`



- [Mégra.rs](https://github.com/the-drunk-coder/megra.rs) - A high-level, LISP-y live coding language implemented in Rust. Prominently features Markov chains.



   `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `audio` `LISP` `rust`

  

- [Mercury](https://github.com/tmhglnd/mercury) | [Mercury Playground](https://mercury.timohoogland.com) - A highly abstracted minimal language for the live coding of algorithmic music, designed to make code more accessible for both the performer and the audience. Runs in Max or the Browser.



  `Windows | macOS` `Chrome | Firefox` `audio` `visuals` `MaxMSP` `JavaScript`



- [Moonlet](https://github.com/elihugarret/Moonlet) - Lua live coding. (inactive)



  `Windows | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `audio`

  

- [Mosaic](https://mosaic.d3cod3.org/) - An openFrameworks based Visual Patching Creative-Coding Platform.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `FLOSS` `graphical-language` `audio` `visuals`



- [Motifn](https://www.motifn.com/) - Code music in Javascript that plays in your DAW or browser



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `JavaScript` `MIDI` `audio` `WebAudio`



- [mutate4l](https://github.com/carrierdown/mutate4l) - Live coding integrated into Ableton Live's session view.



  `Windows | macOS` `Max for Live` `C#` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [Negasonic](https://github.com/merongivian/negasonic) - Live coding in the browser with Ruby.



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `Ruby` `FLOSS` `audio`



- [ORCΛ](https://github.com/hundredrabbits/Orca) - An esoteric live coding environment with two-dimensional syntax.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `audio` `FLOSS`

  

- [OSCII](https://adelfaure.net/tools/liblab/) - OSCII is a web software for drawing and live-coding textmode visuals and sounds.



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `audio` `visuals`



- [Overtone](http://overtone.github.io/) - An open source audio environment designed to explore new musical ideas from synthesis and sampling to instrument building, live-coding and collaborative jamming.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `SuperCollider` `lisp` `FLOSS` `audio` `FLOSS`



- [PraxisLive](http://www.praxislive.org/) - Hybrid visual IDE for live creative coding.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `Java` `Processing` `GLSL` `graphical-language` `FLOSS` `visuals` `audio`



- [Pulchra](https://pulchra.netlify.app/) - Live coding language for 3D graphics.



  `Google Chrome | Microsoft Edge | etc.` `Web` `WebGL` `visuals`



- [Punctual](https://github.com/dktr0/Punctual) - Browser-based, zero-installation, audiovisual live coding language, built into the Estuary collaborative platform.



  `Google Chrome | Mozilla Firefox` `web` `WebGL` `JavaScript` `FLOSS` `visuals`



- [Pure Data](https://puredata.info/) - An open source visual programming language that can be used to process and generate sound, video, 2D/3D graphics, and interface sensors, input devices, and MIDI.



  `Windows | macOS | GNU/Linux` `graphical-language` `FLOSS` `audio` `visuals`



- [re](https://github.com/lvm)

 [](https://github.com/yaxu)

 [](https://github.com/NewAlexandria)

 [](https://github.com/rumblesan)

 [](https://github.com/sicchio)

 [](https://github.com/znmeb)

 [](https://github.com/a-1219)

 [](https://github.com/hvillase)

 [](https://github.com/fpesari)

 [](https://github.com/hellocatfood)

 [](https://github.com/ddovod)

 [](https://github.com/jcelerier)

 [](https://github.com/grz0zrg)

 [](https://github.com/charlieroberts)

 [](https://github.com/carrierdown)

 [](https://github.com/ajrussellaudio)

 [](https://github.com/Almenon)

 [](https://github.com/neuromancer85)

 [](https://github.com/benswift)

 [](https://github.com/bobvanluijt)

 [](https://github.com/bgrayburn)

 [](https://github.com/Bubobubobubobubo)

 [](https://github.com/chr15m)

 [](https://github.com/claudeha)

 [](https://github.com/munshkr)

 [](https://github.com/davidedc)

 [](https://github.com/d3cod3)

 [](https://github.com/alvare)

 [](https://github.com/psenough)

 [](https://github.com/jarmitage)



## How to Contribute



- Fork this repository.

- Add the changes you feel appropriate (be it a language, something to read, something to watch, a tool, a conf, etc).

- Create a Pull Request with a description of what you've modified.

- ???

- PROFIT !



[Here](contributing.md) is a friendly guide of how to proceed.



## Code of Conduct



This list follows the [Contributor Covenant](http://contributor-covenant.org/) Code of Conduct v1.4.0, available [here](https://www.contributor-covenant.org/version/1/4/code-of-conduct.html).



> In the interest of fostering an open and welcoming environment, we as contributors and maintainers pledge to making participation in our project and our community a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of age, body size, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, level of experience, nationality, personal appearance, race, religion, or sexual identity and orientation.



TL;DR: _Be nice to each other_.



## License



[![CC0](http://mirrors.creativecommons.org/presskit/buttons/88x31/svg/cc-zero.svg)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)

This work is licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).



To the extent possible under law, [Mauro Lizaur](http://lvm.github.io) has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this work.