livekoding

Livekoding is the practice of writing and modifying code in real time during a performance or demonstration, with the audience watching the code as it affects the program’s output. It is closely related to live coding and is used across music, visuals, and interactive media. Performers often create algorithms, synthesize sound, render visuals, or drive interactive installations on the fly.

Origin and scope. Rooted in the live coding movement of the late 1990s and 2000s, it grew through concerts, workshops, and festivals that emphasize transparency of the coding process. While associated with music and generative art, livekoding also appears in education and research to illustrate computational concepts.

Practice and tools. Practitioners write code in environments that provide immediate feedback, updating output as changes are made. Popular toolchains include languages and environments designed for live coding in music and art, such as Sonic Pi, TidalCycles, SuperCollider, and ChucK, though any language that supports incremental execution can be used. Performances typically emphasize improvisation, collaboration, and audience interaction.

Applications and community. It is used in concerts, workshops, academic demonstrations, and online streams. Communities share code examples, tutorials, and performances, contributing to open-source projects and public repositories.

Reception and challenges. The approach highlights process and creativity but can present a steep learning curve and risks of technical glitches during live events. Critics note that the onstage coding narrative may be opaque to non-technical audiences without contextual explanation.