Advanced Coding Tools and Methodologies (ACTAM)

Academic Year 2024/2025

Course Overview

• Title: "Advanced Coding Tools and Methodologies"
• Exploring the concept of "coding" beyond traditional programming
• Focus on sound and music as the main application context
• Developing cognition and taste for programming languages possibilities

What is Coding?

• More general than "programming", involves programming languages
• No precise definition, but related to "programming languages"
• Programming: using programming languages (that are linguistic/mathematical tools) to create applications
• A programming language is a formalism/language "understandable" by a computer

Traditional View of Programming

• Often seen as translating application behavior into a programming language
• Captured in software engineering by the waterfall model
• This role potentially replaceable by LLMs in the future

Beyond Traditional Programming

• Data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, R, Python)
• Automation
• Simulations and world-building
• Mathematical problem-solving and theorem proving
• Idea prototyping
• Educational purposes (computational thinking)
• Live music performance

Coding as a Thought Tool

• In some applications, languages are a tool for thinking
• This course explores less usual possibilities offered by programming languages
• Objective: Develop cognition for what can be done with programming languages

Course Focus: Sound and Music

• Chosen to anchor and orient the vast horizon of applications
• Will discuss musical applications, live coding, programming physical control devices
• Example of unusual use in music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY1FSsUV-8c

Course Structure

1. "Coding and Sound" Module (Francesco Bruschi)

   • Exploring various programming languages without exhaustive depth
   • Practical approach to programming possibilities
   • Using sound/music as the main application context

2. Web Development Module (Vincenzo Rana)

   • HTML5 (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
   • (Details to be expanded)

"Coding and Sound" Module Details

• Live coding for music/sound performance
• Programming musical web applications (e.g., drum machines, sequencers)
  • Web Audio API
  • Tone.js and other libraries
• Programming cyber-physical systems for controllers or synthesizers
  • Microbit, ESP32

Languages and Tools

• Python, JavaScript, Ruby
• Web development tools
• Version control systems (e.g., Git)
• Databases

Course Objectives

• Increase coding proficiency for beginners
• Explore new programming potentials for experienced coders
• Learn useful tools beyond just programming

Evaluation Method

• Project-based assessment
• Frequent optional exercises/experiments (after each lesson)
• Small hackathons/group exercises for extra points
• Full grade achievable through the final project alone

Project Guidelines

• Web-based applications using course concepts
• Freedom in project choice
• Possible project ideas from renowned musicians
• Group presentations during exams
• Code and documentation submission via GitHub
• Documentation as a GitHub site

Project Guidelines

• Web-based applications using course concepts
• Freedom in project choice
• Possible project ideas from renowned musicians
• Group presentations during exams
• Code and documentation submission via GitHub
• Documentation as a GitHub site

Project Evaluation Criteria

• Technical Implementation (30%)
• Creativity and Innovation (20%)
• User Experience and Interface Design (15%)
• Integration of Course Concepts (15%)
• Project Complexity and Ambition (10%)
• Documentation and Presentation (10%)
• Bonus Points available

Technical Implementation (30%)

• Correct use of programming languages and technologies covered in the course
• Code quality and organization
• Effective use of audio programming concepts and techniques
• Implementation of advanced features or algorithms

Creativity and Innovation (20%)

• Originality of the project idea
• Innovative use of audio technologies
• Creative problem-solving in audio programming challenges

User Experience and Interface Design (15%)

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Responsiveness and performance of the application
• Aesthetic appeal and coherence with audio/musical context

Integration of Course Concepts (15%)

• Demonstration of understanding both "Coding and Sound" and "Web Development" modules
• Effective integration of web technologies with audio processing
• Application of theoretical concepts in a practical context

Project Complexity and Ambition (10%)

• Scope and scale of the project
• Handling of complex audio processing tasks
• Integration of multiple technologies or APIs

Documentation and Presentation (10%)

• Clear explanation of project goals and implementation
• Quality of code documentation
• Effectiveness of project demonstration or presentation

Bonus Points

• Collaboration with Cremona students or integration of specialized audio equipment
• Implementation of real-time audio processing or live coding features
• Integration with external services or APIs related to music/audio

Logistics

• Instructors: Francesco Bruschi, Vincenzo Rana, Marco Esposito
• No rigid distinction between lectures and exercises
• Calendar for instructor schedules and point-earning labs
• In-person attendance encouraged for:
  • Instructor satisfaction
  • More engaging experience
  • Direct assistance during hands-on activities
  • Experiencing the "delightful cacophony of tones and bleeps"

Remote Learning Considerations

• Efforts to involve Cremona classroom
• Asymmetric course structure
• On-site visits for:
  • Replicating hackathons
  • Project support

Course Timeline

• Regular classes and exercises
• Shift towards project assistance towards the end
• More frequent presence of Marco for project support

Software Requirements

• Python
• Sonic Pi
• Web browser
• Code editor

Next Steps

• Student introductions and form completion
• Prepare for an exciting journey into advanced coding!

Who are you?

• You can answer here: https://forms.gle/cQXWeoXJV61tUpadA