# Extempore

> real-time audiovisual software

**Wikidata**: [Q19865096](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19865096)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extempore_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/extempore

## Summary
Extempore is a real-time audiovisual software and audio programming language designed for live coding, sound synthesis, and algorithmic composition. It combines functional programming principles with dynamic typing, influenced by Lisp and Impromptu, to enable flexible and interactive audiovisual projects. Actively maintained, it supports rapid experimentation in sound production.

## Key Facts
- **Latest version**: 0.8.9 (released May 6, 2021).
- **Influenced by**: Lisp (1958), Impromptu (2005), and Q187560.
- **Programming paradigm**: Functional programming with dynamic typing.
- **Repository**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/digego/extempore](https://github.com/digego/extempore).
- **Initial release**: Version 0.7.0 (April 18, 2016).
- **Primary use**: Real-time audiovisual performance and live coding.
- **Typing discipline**: Dynamic typing.
- **Development status**: Actively updated, with 8 major releases between 2016–2021.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Extempore primarily used for?
A: Extempore is used for real-time audiovisual performance, live coding, and algorithmic composition, enabling immediate feedback during sound synthesis and experimentation.

### Q: What programming languages influenced Extempore?
A: Extempore draws inspiration from Lisp (1958) and Impromptu (2005), incorporating functional programming concepts and dynamic typing.

### Q: Is Extempore still being developed?
A: Yes, as of 2021, Extempore remains actively maintained, with the latest version (0.8.9) released in May 2021 and frequent updates since its 2016 debut.

## Why It Matters
Extempore plays a significant role in the niche field of live coding and algorithmic music, offering a dynamic environment for real-time audiovisual creation. By synthesizing the functional paradigm of Lisp with the immediacy of live coding tools like Impromptu, it empowers artists and developers to experiment with sound in performative settings. Its active development and open-source nature (hosted on GitHub) ensure ongoing relevance, addressing the need for flexible, interactive tools in sound art and performance. Extempore’s emphasis on real-time feedback and iterative composition makes it a valuable resource for both educational and professional contexts, bridging the gap between coding and creative expression.

## Notable For
- **Live coding environment**: Enables real-time modification of audiovisual code during performance.
- **Lisp-inspired syntax**: Combines functional programming with dynamic typing for expressive code.
- **Frequent updates**: 8 versions released between 2016–2021, reflecting responsive development.
- **Cross-platform compatibility**: Supports multiple operating systems through its GitHub-hosted repository.

## Body
### Overview
Extempore is an audio programming language and real-time software framework designed for live coding, sound synthesis, and algorithmic composition. It emphasizes functional programming principles and dynamic typing, enabling artists and developers to create and modify audiovisual projects interactively.

### Versions
- **0.7.0**: Initial stable release (April 18, 2016).
- **0.8.1–0.8.9**: Incremental updates (2020–2021) addressing performance and compatibility, with the latest version (0.8.9) released on May 6, 2021.

### Influences
- **Lisp**: Incorporates functional programming concepts rooted in lambda calculus (1958).
- **Impromptu**: Builds on the live coding paradigm popularized by this Mac OS X environment (2005).

### Technical Features
- **Dynamic typing**: Allows flexible code execution without strict type definitions.
- **Functional programming**: Encourages modular, reusable code structures.
- **Real-time capabilities**: Optimized for low-latency audiovisual processing.

### Development Status
Extempore is maintained on GitHub ([https://github.com/digego/extempore](https://github.com/digego/extempore)), with contributions and updates tracked publicly. Its open-source model fosters community engagement, ensuring continued relevance in live coding and experimental sound production.

## References

1. [Release 0.7.0. 2016](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/0.7.0)
2. [Release 0.8.1. 2020](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/1d2b74f)
3. [Release 0.8.3. 2020](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/0.8.3)
4. [Release 0.8.4. 2020](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/v0.8.4)
5. [Release 0.8.5. 2020](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/v0.8.5)
6. [Release 0.8.6. 2020](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/v0.8.6)
7. [Release 0.8.7. 2020](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/v0.8.7)
8. [Release 0.8.8. 2021](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/v0.8.8)
9. [Release 0.8.9. 2021](https://github.com/digego/extempore/releases/tag/v0.8.9)