TidalCycles
Free live coding language for algorithmic music patterns, written in Haskell and played through SuperCollider.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows, macOS, Linux
Is TidalCycles free?
Yes, free and open source
Switch from TidalCycles to
All 5
StrudelOpen source
Sonic PiOpen source
SuperColliderOpen source
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About TidalCycles
TidalCycles, usually called Tidal, is a live coding environment for making patterns with code. It is best known for algorithmic music, from improvised algorave sets to studio composition. You write short lines in a compact notation for rhythms and sequences, then combine and transform them with a large library of pattern functions to build polyrhythmic, generative or evolving music. Tidal is embedded in Haskell, though users don't need to learn Haskell to start. It doesn't make sound by itself: by default it drives the SuperDirt sampler and synth inside SuperCollider, and it can also control other synths or hardware over OSC and MIDI. That setup is more involved than browser-based tools, which is why its sibling project Strudel exists. Tidal is free and open source, supported by an Open Collective, and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It has an active community with forums, a blog and a long history of academic and artistic use.
Best for: Live coders and electronic musicians who want a dense, expressive language for rhythmic patterns.
Pros and cons
What works
- Very expressive notation for complex, polyrhythmic patterns
- Controls SuperDirt, other synths or hardware via OSC and MIDI
- Large, long-running community and documentation
Why people leave
- Setup needs Haskell, SuperCollider and SuperDirt
- Makes no sound on its own without a sound engine
- Abstract syntax is harder for beginners than Sonic Pi
TidalCycles vs Strudel, 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 | TidalCycles | Strudel | 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 | Windows, macOS, Linux | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux, Web | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Top TidalCycles alternatives
See all 5- 1Strudel68.8
The same pattern language running in the browser, with no Haskell or SuperCollider install needed.
- 2Sonic Pi64.8
An easier all-in-one app with its own synths, better suited to beginners and classrooms.
- 3SuperCollider61.8
Work directly in the engine Tidal uses, for custom synthesis and full control of sound.
- 4
ChucK59.4Lower-level language where you schedule sound yourself, for finer control than pattern notation.
- 5
Max (Cycling '74)50.0Patch-based environment for live electronics, connecting to synths and Ableton without writing Haskell.
Why people left TidalCycles
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from TidalCycles, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers
Write a review of TidalCycles
TidalCycles: common questions
What is TidalCycles?
TidalCycles: Free live coding language for algorithmic music patterns, written in Haskell and played through SuperCollider. Best for live coders and electronic musicians who want a dense, expressive language for rhythmic patterns. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Is TidalCycles free?
Yes. TidalCycles is free, open-source software.
Is TidalCycles open source?
Yes.
What platforms does TidalCycles run on?
TidalCycles is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What are the best alternatives to TidalCycles?
The highest-ranked TidalCycles alternatives right now are Strudel, Sonic Pi and SuperCollider. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
TidalCycles vs Strudel: what's the difference?
Both TidalCycles and Strudel are free and open source. Only TidalCycles runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Only Strudel runs on Web.