Live Coding, tidal cycles to be specific, is a series of algorithms made to manipulate a series of sounds for us to listen to. It is interesting, however, that if we look at the numbers being manipulated we will see, as humans, a drawing like a textile that we cannot read.
computational algorithms and patterns culturally situated in textiles, music, and dance seem closely related
A pattern is a textile we stitch, a table we set, an algorithm we loop through even an etiquette we learn. Hence the relationship between algorithms, patterns, and music may be something we have long realized, like many other algorithms we use today. It is interesting, however, to relate and compare those patterns together. Following patterns of a stitched rug, replacing, maybe colors with notes? swapping between the 2 mediums is a beautiful revelation, especially when connected with live coding, and creating on the go; you can change your carpet design at any moment you wish.
Looking away from the binary algorithmic representation of how things work, bringing in the “what if”. Live coding will bring a what-if question with every new line you will begin to question, doubt, or not like 100%. There is always a better version, a different wave pattern, a frequency, or an order that will work, so what if this algorithmic manipulation works better, what if this order of notes (or colors in the rug) works better. What if it also works better now but never will work again, at least in the same way.
The save button is not a familiar concept for a live coder. It is scary writing something you cannot save. It is even more scary knowing a well-practiced performance piece will never be played the same way twice. Recordings are like drawing on a plate and hanging it, while live coding is like smashing it to let out all the pent-up energy. It is scary sometimes, but that is an artistic scary that comes with knowledge. You threw away your plate, but the next one will look better because you learned something today. Your code is not meant to be saved, but u do learn, remember, and keep experiences and memories alive, even if u have no digital 1s and 0s to show for proof.