H79.2748 Lecture 4 Credits
Instructor(s): Steiner
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. We start with the basics of Pd itself, and cover the basics of audio, video, 3D, physical computing, networking, and how to organize large projects. Pd is free software, and also runs on embedded systems like PDAs and iPhones, providing possibilities previously only feasible using microcontrollers. The Max paradigm is compared to object-oriented 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.
