---
title: Getting Started
layout: ../../layouts/MainLayout.astro
---

import { MiniRepl } from '../../docs/MiniRepl';

# Welcome

<img src="/icons/strudel_icon.png" className="w-32 animate-pulse md:float-right ml-8" />

Welcome to the Strudel documentation pages!
You've come to the right place if you want to learn how to make music with code.

## What is Strudel?

With Strudel, you can expressively write dynamic music pieces.<br/>
It is an official port of the [Tidal Cycles](https://tidalcycles.org/) pattern language to JavaScript.<br/>
You don't need to know JavaScript or Tidal Cycles to make music with Strudel.
This interactive tutorial will guide you through the basics of Strudel.<br/>
The best place to actually make music with Strudel is the [Strudel REPL](https://strudel.tidalcycles.org/)

<div className="clear-both" />

## What can you do with Strudel?

- live code music: make music with code in real time
- algorithmic composition: compose music using tidal's unique approach to pattern manipulation
- teaching: focussing on a low barrier of entry, Strudel is a good fit for teaching music and code at the same time.
- integrate into your existing music setup: either via MIDI or OSC, you can use Strudel as a really flexible sequencer

## Example

Here is an example of how strudel can sound:

<MiniRepl
  client:idle
  tune={`stack(
  // drums
  s("bd,[~ <sd!3 sd(3,4,2)>],hh*8")
  .speed(perlin.range(.8,.9)), // random sample speed variation
  // bassline
  "<a1 b1\*2 a1(3,8) e2>" 
  .off(1/8,x=>x.add(12).degradeBy(.5)) // random octave jumps
  .add(perlin.range(0,.5)) // random pitch variation
  .superimpose(add(.05)) // add second, slightly detuned voice
  .note() // wrap in "note"
  .decay(.15).sustain(0) // make each note of equal length
  .s('sawtooth') // waveform
  .gain(.4) // turn down
  .cutoff(sine.slow(7).range(300,5000)), // automate cutoff
  // chords
  "<Am7!3 <Em7 E7b13 Em7 Ebm7b5>>".voicings('lefthand') 
  .superimpose(x=>x.add(.04)) // add second, slightly detuned voice
  .add(perlin.range(0,.5)) // random pitch variation
  .note() // wrap in "note"
  .s('sawtooth') // waveform
  .gain(.16) // turn down
  .cutoff(500) // fixed cutoff
  .attack(1) // slowly fade in
)
.slow(3/2)`}
/>

To hear more, go to the [Strudel REPL](https://strudel.tidalcycles.org/) and press shuffle to hear a random example pattern.

## Getting Started

The best way to start learning Strudel is the workshop.
If you're ready to dive in, let's start with your [first sounds](/workshop/first-sounds)
