TidalCycles step builds a pattern from a step-sequencer string, mapping x to a hit and digits to sample indices

step name str turns a step-sequencer grid string into a pattern of sample names: each x becomes a hit of name, each digit becomes name:digit (that numbered sample), and every other character becomes a rest. step "sn" "x x 12 " produces "sn ~ sn ~ sn:1 sn:2 ~", ready to feed into s. This offers a familiar drum-machine grid syntax as an alternative to Tidal’s bracket mini-notation, which many beginners find more legible for programming beats. step' generalises it: given a list of sample names, the digits in the string index into that list instead of selecting variants of one sample.

Examples

d1 $ s (step "sn" "x x 12 ")
d1 $ s (step' ["superpiano","supermandolin"] "0 1 000 1") # n 0

Assessment

Write the mini-notation equivalent of step "bd" "x 2 x ". Explain how step' reinterprets the digits differently from step. Why might a beginner prefer the step-string syntax over bracket mini-notation?