Strudel is a live coding platform that allows users to create music directly in their browser. It is free, open-source, and suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Strudel provides an accessible way to explore live coding, whether you are new to the concept or familiar with tools like TidalCycles.

What is Strudel?

Strudel is a JavaScript-based implementation of TidalCycles, a well-known live coding language for music originally developed in Haskell. With Strudel, users can write code to generate beats, rhythms, and melodies, listening to changes in real time.
Its straightforward interface makes it approachable for those new to coding while offering flexibility for experienced users to experiment with complex musical ideas.

How It Works

Strudel operates on a simple process:
Play: Start a session to hear the default sound.
Edit: Modify the code to customize the music.
Update: Apply the changes and hear the results immediately.
For inspiration, a shuffle function is available to generate new ideas.
Users can also write their own code entirely and listen to the output in real time.
The platform includes an interactive tutorial to help users get started. Additional support and interaction with the community are available through the TidalCycles Discord channel.

Key Features

Real-Time Music Generation: Experiment with sounds, rhythms, and effects and hear changes instantly.
Free and Open Source:Distributed under the GNU Affero General Public License, ensuring it remains accessible.
Beginner-Friendly: Features a guided tutorial suitable for users with no prior experience in coding or music production.
Advanced Capabilities: Enables the creation of intricate, layered compositions for more advanced users.

Technical Background

Strudel is inspired by TidalCycles and brings similar functionality to JavaScript, making live coding for music more accessible by eliminating the need for specialized environments. The project is hosted on GitHub, allowing users to see the source code and contribute to its development.

Get Started with Strudel

Strudel can be accessed directly through strudel.cc. It is designed for a range of applications, from simple rhythm experimentation to creating full compositions. The platform offers a clear and interactive framework for engaging with live coding and music creation.
thanks for reading - last changes: 2. January 2025