As a new form of performance that features creating audio and visual effects via text editors, live coding is both a primitive and advanced form of human-computer interaction. The performers are directly editing the performance by accurately controlling the effects digit by digit, it provides more accuracy and more space to experiment with as the technology of shaders and audio editors keeps evolving.

I remember someone saying this during ICLC 2024 to describe the experience of live coding: “Everything is impossible, but nothing is easy”. Theoretically, there can be countless possibilities of a combination of effects created by coding, but advanced performance will take much time and energy for experiments and research. Live coding is realized by programming and requires lots of experience with both programming and composing, so it might be very complicated for those who are not familiar with computers and programming, and the way to practice live coding is not like to practice playing traditional instruments by following the existing scores. However, it still has its significance compared with other performances like DJ or jazz sessions, which as well contain improvisational content, as coding is also a part of the performance. The audience can observe the complete process of coding.

The primitive nature enables live coders to implement all kinds of JavaScript libraries to the text editors, which gives them great freedom for self-expression. They can type their feelings in the text editors, add 3D models, or even add their real-time drawings to the canvas, which is a groundbreaking revolution for performance in my point of view.

As computer science keeps evolving, I’m thrilled to witness how the form of art can be changed, and the emergence of live coding is a good showcase.