Category: Spring 25

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.

“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.