Pure Data (Pd) is an open-source visual programming language that allows users to create their own interactive computer music and multimedia software. It was created by Miller Puckette, who also developed the precursor to Pd, Max/MSP, while he was a professor of music at the University of California, San Diego. Pd is popular among musicians, artists, and designers, as well as hobbyists and educators who want to create interactive projects with code. In this guide, we will introduce you to the language, show you how to write code, and explore some of the best applications for Pd.
Understanding Pure Data
Pure Data is a dataflow language, meaning that it uses graphical symbols to represent data and the operations performed on that data. It consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) and a programming language, both of which are used to create and manipulate objects. These objects can be visual or auditory, and are connected by patch cords to create a network of processes that interact with each other in real-time.
Pure Data uses objects, messages, and functions to create patches. Objects are graphical symbols that represent processes, such as audio synthesis or MIDI input. Messages are text strings that can be sent between objects to control their behavior. Functions are blocks of code that can be used to perform complex operations. Patches can be created by dragging objects onto the canvas and connecting them with patch cords.
Writing Pure Data Code
Pd code is written in an object-oriented manner, meaning that objects are instantiated and connected together to create the program. Pd objects are classified into different categories, such as audio, control, data, and graphical objects. To create an object, you simply click on the object category, and then drag and drop the object onto the canvas. Objects can be connected to each other by patch cords to create a network of processes.
Here is an example of a simple Pure Data patch that generates a tone:
This patch consists of two objects: an oscillator object and a dac~ object. The oscillator object generates a sine wave at a frequency of 440 Hz, which is then output to the dac~ object. The dac~ object outputs the audio to the computer's audio output.
Applications of Pure Data
Pure Data has a wide range of applications in music, art, and education. In music, Pd is often used for live performance, sound installations, and computer music composition. In art, Pd is used for interactive installations, video art, and generative art. In education, Pd is used to teach computer music and interactive media programming to students.
One popular use of Pd is to create synthesizers and samplers. Pd can be used to create complex, polyphonic instruments with a wide range of sound generation techniques, such as additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, and granular synthesis. Another popular use of Pd is to create interactive installations and performances. Pd can be used to create interactive visuals, video processing, and data visualization.
Conclusion
Pure Data is a powerful and flexible language that allows users to create their own interactive multimedia software. With its visual interface and object-oriented programming, Pd is easy to learn and use, even for beginners. Whether you are a musician, artist, or hobbyist, Pd can help you create your own unique projects with code. By following this beginner's guide, you should now have a basic understanding of Pd, how to write code, and some of the best applications for Pd.