Month: January 2025

“live coding makes software strange”

This particular quote from the reading was especially captivating as it illuminates upon the expansive possibilities of coding that goes beyond the rigid, structured nature many associate with programming. It reframes coding as a more fluid, flexible and expressive act akin to playing a musical instrument. It highlights programming as not just a (behind the scene) tool for solving problems but as a more dynamic, performative practice that blurs the line between technical precision and artistic expression.

In this sense, live coding is impactful as it challenges our ‘traditional’, one-dimensional understanding of programming. It deconstructs widely perpetuated understandings of coding to be a linear act of instructing machines to perform and produce specific, predetermined outcomes and instead propels a multidimensional perspective on what programming can be. This is why I think Live Coding as a class perfectly embodies the essence of Interactive Media as a major; it showcases its interdisciplinary nature as a blend of the sciences and arts.

These paragraphs explore the concept of live coding and why it attracts people. As an interdisciplinary practice combining coding, art, and improvised performance, live coding appeals to both technicians and artists. It provides a unique medium to appreciate the beauty of coding and the artistic aspects often hidden within what is typically seen as a highly technical and inaccessible field.

I encountered live coding for the first time while working as a student staff member at ICLC2024. These performances gave me a basic understanding of live coding as a layperson. Reading this article later deepened my perspective and sparked new thoughts.

The article describes live coding as a way for artists to interact with the world and each other in real-time through code. Watching live coding performances, I initially assumed artists focused entirely on their work, treating the performance as self-contained and unaffected by external factors. However, I may have overlooked the role of the audience, the venue, and the environment in inspiring the artists and adding new layers to the improvisation. As someone who loves live performances, I now see live coding as another form where interaction between the artists and their surroundings is crucial.

The article also mentions how projecting code on the screen as the main visual makes the performance more transparent and accessible. While I agree with this, it also raises a concern. A friend unfamiliar with live coding once referred to it as a “nerd party,” commenting that it’s less danceable than traditional DJ performances and difficult for non-coders—or even coders unfamiliar with live coding languages—to follow. I wonder if this limits the audience’s ability to understand and fully appreciate the performance or the essence of the art form. Although this may not be a significant issue, it’s something I’m curious about.