# concrete_machine

> creative work by Johannes Auer

**Wikidata**: [Q132199096](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132199096)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/concrete-machine

## Summary
*concrete_machine* is a creative digital work by Johannes Auer, published in 2003, blending electronic literature and digital poetry through web-based technologies like PHP and Cascading Style Sheets. It functions as an interactive exhibit, web page, and application, showcasing experimental approaches to language and code.

## Key Facts
- Created by Johannes Auer and published in 2003.
- Classified as electronic literature and digital poetry.
- Implemented using PHP (inception: 1995) and Cascading Style Sheets (inception: 1996).
- Functions as an application, exhibit, web page, and creative work.
- Available in English and German.
- Associated with the ELMCIP database (ID: 5263).

## FAQs
**Who created *concrete_machine*?**
Johannes Auer authored *concrete_machine* as a digital poetry project, blending programming and literary expression.

**What technologies does *concrete_machine* use?**
It employs PHP (a server-side scripting language) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for styling, both foundational web development tools.

**What is the significance of its 2003 publication date?**
The early 2000s marked a period of experimentation in digital literature, with *concrete_machine* contributing to the intersection of code and poetic form.

**Is *concrete_machine* available in multiple languages?**
Yes, it supports both English and German, broadening its accessibility to diverse audiences.

## Why It Matters
*concrete_machine* exemplifies the fusion of programming and artistic expression, demonstrating how code can serve as a medium for poetry and interactive storytelling. By leveraging PHP and CSS, it reflects the technical and creative possibilities of early 2000s web art, influencing later digital literature projects. Its dual-language support also highlights efforts to make experimental works accessible across linguistic boundaries.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the use of PHP and CSS in digital poetry.
- Bridging the gap between software applications and literary art.
- Being cataloged in the ELMCIP database, a key resource for electronic literature.
- Multilingual presentation (English and German).

## Body
### Overview
*concrete_machine* is a multimedia creative work by Johannes Auer, published in 2003. It operates at the intersection of electronic literature and digital poetry, utilizing web technologies to create an interactive experience. The project is classified as an application, exhibit, and web page, emphasizing its multifaceted nature.

### Technical Implementation
The work is built using **PHP**, a scripting language introduced in 1995, and **Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)**, a declarative styling language launched in 1996. These technologies enable dynamic content generation and visual presentation, key to *concrete_machine*’s interactive and aesthetic qualities.

### Classification and Genre
*concrete_machine* is categorized under:
- **Electronic literature**: A broad genre encompassing digital-born literary works.
- **Digital poetry**: A subset focusing on poetic expression through computational means.
- **Application**: It functions as a software program designed for end-user interaction.
- **Exhibit/Web page**: The work is presented in a format suitable for online display and gallery settings.

### Language and Accessibility
The project supports both **English and German**, making it accessible to a wider audience. This multilingual approach reflects Auer’s consideration of diverse readerships in digital art.

### Context in Digital Art
Published in 2003, *concrete_machine* emerged during a period of rapid experimentation in web-based art. It contributes to the discourse on how programming languages can be repurposed for artistic expression, challenging traditional boundaries between code and poetry.

### Related Technologies
- **PHP**: Used for server-side logic, enabling dynamic content generation.
- **CSS**: Employed for styling, ensuring visual coherence and user engagement.
- **Web applications**: *concrete_machine* aligns with the broader category of user-facing software programs, emphasizing interactivity.

### Database and Documentation
The work is documented in the **ELMCIP database** (ID: 5263), a comprehensive archive of electronic literature. This inclusion underscores its recognition within academic and artistic communities.

### Legacy
As an early example of digital poetry leveraging web technologies, *concrete_machine* serves as a reference point for later projects exploring the intersection of code and literature. Its use of PHP and CSS demonstrates how technical tools can be creatively repurposed, influencing both digital art and web development practices.