Sardine
A Python library for live coding music, enabling algorithmic composition and improvisation via MIDI, OSC, and SuperCollider.
What is Sardine?
Sardine is a Python library for live coding music, enabling algorithmic composition and improvisation by turning Python code into a musical instrument. It integrates with MIDI, OSC, and SuperCollider to map melodic and rhythmic patterns in real-time, solving the need for a Python-based tool in the live coding music scene. The library provides time-aware functions and synchronization protocols for seamless performances.
Musicians, live coders, and developers interested in algorithmic music creation, especially those using Python for real-time audio performance and integration with electronic instruments.
Developers choose Sardine for its hackable design, deep integration with popular audio engines like SuperCollider, and its focus on making Python a first-class citizen in the live coding music community, offering unique features like temporal recursion and customizable data patterning.
Overview
Python's missing "algorave" module. Live code music with Python using MIDI, OSC and/or SuperCollider.
Use Cases
Best For
- Live coding musical performances on stage using Python
- Algorithmic composition and improvisation with MIDI devices
- Integrating SuperCollider audio engine into Python-based projects
- Creating reactive audiovisual performances with OSC callbacks
- Synchronizing multiple computers or instruments via MIDI Clocks or Link Protocol
- Experimenting with temporal recursion for time-aware music patterns
Not Ideal For
- Musicians seeking a graphical user interface for music production without coding
- Projects that rely on pre-composed, static music generation without real-time interaction
- Environments where Python 3.10 or higher is not supported or preferred
- Teams needing mature, production-ready tools with extensive community support and stable APIs
Pros & Cons
Pros
Seamlessly connects with MIDI, OSC, and SuperCollider, including bindings for SuperDirt, enabling broad compatibility with electronic instruments for live performances.
Uses temporal recursion to make Python code tempo-aware, allowing precise scheduling of synchronous and asynchronous functions for accurate musical timing.
Allows customization of Senders and Receivers to pattern any data type, providing flexibility for unique musical expressions and algorithmic control.
Assigns callbacks to OSC events, turning Sardine into a reactive toolbox for sophisticated audiovisual performances and real-time value monitoring.
Cons
The README admits Sardine is in early stages, leading to potential bugs, breaking changes, and incomplete features that may hinder production use.
Installation requires multiple steps and dependencies like SuperCollider and Rust for documentation, which can be daunting for users new to audio programming.
Compared to established live coding tools like SuperCollider or TidalCycles, Sardine has a smaller community and fewer pre-built patterns or libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
OvertoneCollaborative Programmable Music
AldaA music programming language for musicians. :notes:
OrcaEsoteric Programming Language
ChuckChucK Music Programming Language
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