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Dataflow Audio Programming (H79.2748.1) is a semester-long course at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Interactive Telecommunications Program.

Description

Graphical dataflow programming languages like the Max family (Pd aka Pure Data, Max/MSP, jMax, etc.) provide a more intuitive approach to media creation and manipulation. This paradigm is based on mapping out the flow of the data, which more closely mirrors the experience of realtime media. Pd has its roots in realtime audio programming and that is the core of the class. We start with the basics of Pd itself, and cover sampling, synthesis, processing, syncing audio to video, sensor I/O, networking, and how to organize large projects. The Max paradigm is compared to text-based languages like Processing to provide an idea of their differences and similarities, as well as their respective strengths and weaknesses. This course is structured around learning by doing, so students have regular assignments to explore the ideas covered in class, as well as a final project. The focus is on Pd, but much of this knowledge is applicable to Max/MSP as well.

Software

For this course, Pd will the used throughout. Max/MSP is similar enough to Pd that the knowledge is directly applicable. Quartz Composer, Eyesweb, Labview and other graphical programming languages share similar ideas, but are not similar enough for this course. There will be brief introductions to other graphical programming languages throughout the semester.