CreativePython 0.1.1

A Python-based software environment for developing algorithmic art projects.

CreativePython

CreativePython is a Python-based software environment for learning and developing algorithmic art projects. It mirrors the JythonMusic API, and is powered by PySide6 and portaudio.

CreativePython is distributed under the MIT License.

Homepage

This package is still under development.

Beginner Installation (IDLE)

Download and install the latest version of Python.

Download the CreativePython IDLE Install Script.

Open the .py script with IDLE, Python's Integrated Development Learning Environment. From the toolbar, select Run, then Run Module.

CreativePython will ask permission to download a high-quality soundfont (FluidR3 G2-2.sf2) for you. IMPORTANT: type yes in the IDLE Shell and hit enter. Without a soundfont, CreativePython can't produce MIDI sounds.

Custom Installation

Windows

Install CreativePython using pip:

python -m pip install CreativePython

MacOS

Use Homebrew to install the prerequisite portaudio library, then install CreativePython using pip:

brew install portaudio
pip install CreativePython

Linux

Use apt, or your preferred package manager, to install the prerequisite portaudio library, then install CreativePython using pip:

sudo apt-get portaudio
pip install CreativePython

Using CreativePython

import

CreativePython's core modules are the music, gui, image, timer, osc, and midi libraries. You can import these libraries into your python code using:

import music
from music import *
from music import Note, Play, C4, HN

Or a similar statement. CreativePython includes a number of useful constants, so we recommend using wildcard imports like from music import *.

NOTE: When you import music, CreativePython will ask permission to download a high-quality soundfont (FluidR3 G2-2.sf2) for you. You should only have to do this once.

running CreativePython programs

CreativePython is designed for use in Python's Interactive Mode. To use Interactive Mode, enter a command like:

python -i <filename>.py

Example

Download playNote.py:

# playNote.py
# Demonstrates how to play a single note.
 
from music import *        # import music library
 
note = Note(C4, HN)        # create a middle C half note
Play.midi(note)            # and play it!

In a terminal, run the code using:

python -i playNote.py

If this is the first time you've used CreativePython, it will ask to download a soundfont.

After that, you should hear a single C4 note.

[Download All Examples]