CreativePython 0.1.5

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
• Download All Examples [ZIP]

This package is still under development.

Requirements

Before installing CreativePython, you will need:

• Python3, version 3.9 or greater [Download]
• A C++ compiler (see Troubleshooting - CMake configuration failed below)

Beginner Installation (Windows/MacOS)

1. Download the CreativePython Setup Script.

2. Open creativePythonSetup.py with IDLE, Python's Integrated Development Learning Environment.

3. From the IDLE toolbar, select Run, then Run Module.

4. CreativePython will check for its requirements on your system, download any missing requirements, and install its libraries.

5. If you see [CreativePython Setup]: CreativePython installed successfully., you're all done! You're ready to start using CreativePython in your Python code.

• To test the installation, download playNote.py and run it in IDLE. You should hear a single C4 half-note.

NOTE: You can use the setup script in any Python3 environment - not just IDLE!

Custom Installation

If you're familiar with Python development, we recommend installing CreativePython through the Command Prompt/Terminal.

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

Importing Libraries

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: The first time 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 in interactive mode:

python -i playNote.py

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

After you do, you should hear a single C4 half-note.

Troubleshooting

CMake configuration failed

Some of CreativePython's libraries need to compile C++ code during installation.

• On Windows, download and install Visual Studio Build Tools 2022. In the Visual Studio installer, make sure "C++ Build Tools" is checked.

• On MacOS, you can download and install XCode from the App Store.

Restart your computer, then try installing CreativePython again.