Strudel
Browser-based live coding environment that brings the TidalCycles pattern language to JavaScript.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Web
Is Strudel free?
Yes, free and open source
Switch from Strudel to
All 3
TidalCyclesOpen source
Sonic PiOpen source
SuperColliderOpen source
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 3
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Strudel
Strudel is a live coding music environment that runs in the web browser. It is a JavaScript version of the TidalCycles pattern language, started by Alex McLean and Felix Roos in 2022 and now developed as a collective open-source project. Because it makes sound by itself in the browser, there is nothing to install: you open the REPL, type patterns of drums, notes and effects in Tidal's mini-notation, and hear the result straight away. Strudel also supports samples, built-in synths, audio effects, MIDI and OSC output, visual feedback and an offline mode, and its documentation includes a hands-on workshop for newcomers. It suits people curious about algorithmic music who don't want to set up Haskell and SuperCollider, as well as Tidal users who want to share runnable sketches by link. It is free with no paid plans. The trade-off is that browser audio has less timing precision and routing flexibility than a desktop setup, and its source code has moved from GitHub to Codeberg.
Best for: Anyone who wants to try pattern-based live coding instantly in a browser, without installing anything.
Pros and cons
What works
- Runs in the browser with no installation
- Uses the well-documented TidalCycles pattern language
- Hands-on workshop for complete beginners
- Patterns are easy to share as links
Why people leave
- Browser audio limits latency and routing versus desktop tools
- Pattern notation takes time to learn for non-programmers
- No native desktop app
Strudel vs TidalCycles, Sonic Pi and SuperCollider
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Strudel | TidalCycles | Sonic Pi | SuperCollider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Open source | Open source | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Top Strudel alternatives
See all 3- 1TidalCycles68.8
The original Haskell version of the same pattern language, with tighter timing through SuperCollider on the desktop.
- 2Sonic Pi64.8
A friendlier, more step-by-step syntax and a full desktop app with MIDI, OSC and Ableton Link.
- 3SuperCollider61.8
Gives full control over synthesis and audio routing when browser sound becomes limiting.
Why people left Strudel
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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Strudel: common questions
What is Strudel?
Strudel: Browser-based live coding environment that brings the TidalCycles pattern language to JavaScript. Best for anyone who wants to try pattern-based live coding instantly in a browser, without installing anything. Available for Web.
Is Strudel free?
Yes. Strudel is free, open-source software.
Is Strudel open source?
Yes.
What platforms does Strudel run on?
Strudel is available for Web.
What are the best alternatives to Strudel?
The highest-ranked Strudel alternatives right now are TidalCycles, Sonic Pi and SuperCollider. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Strudel vs TidalCycles: what's the difference?
Both Strudel and TidalCycles are free and open source. Only Strudel runs on Web. Only TidalCycles runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.