Live coding is a feedback loop of writing code, running it, perceiving the result, and letting that drive the next change

McLean describes the compositional process in live coding as a cycle: action (writing code) → notation (the code itself) → computation (the system running it) → perception (listening to the output). The key insight is that the coder often cannot fully predict the sonic result — the code runs in ways ‘beyond your imagination’ — so perception drives the next action rather than a pre-formed plan. This makes the actual timing of code changes musically meaningful: the transition moment is part of the composition. The loop parallels how a painter squints at a canvas rather than projecting a finished image.

Examples

A live coder types a transformation, hits enter, listens; the result is unexpectedly interesting; they respond by adding another layer rather than the change they originally planned. The surprise becomes compositional material.

Assessment

Describe the stages of McLean’s live-coding feedback loop and explain why the loop structure means that ‘when you make a change becomes really important.’ Compare this to how a sculptor or painter works with their material.