# FAUST

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q1398550](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1398550)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FAUST_(programming_language))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/faust-q1398550

## Summary
FAUST is a purely functional programming language specifically designed for audio programming, enabling sound production, algorithmic composition, and sound synthesis. It is isomorphic to the lambda calculus and has been actively developed since 2002 under the GNU General Public License.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Created in 2002.
- **License**: GNU General Public License.
- **Primary Classifications**: Purely functional programming language and audio programming language.
- **Website**: http://faust.grame.fr.
- **Recognition**: Received the Open Science Award for Open Source Research Software in 2022.
- **Paradigm**: Purely functional programming.
- **Aliases**: faust.grame.fr, Programmiersprache Faust.
- **Wikipedia**: Title is "FAUST (programming language)".

## FAQs
### Q: What is FAUST primarily used for?
A: FAUST is a programming language designed specifically for audio programming tasks, including sound production, algorithmic composition, and sound synthesis.

### Q: Is FAUST a functional programming language?
A: Yes, FAUST is classified as a purely functional programming language, meaning it is isomorphic to the lambda calculus.

### Q: When was FAUST first released?
A: FAUST was first released in 2002.

### Q: What license governs FAUST?
A: FAUST is released under the GNU General Public License.

### Q: What award did FAUST receive?
A: FAUST received the Open Science Award for Open Source Research Software in 2022.

## Why It Matters
FAUST matters because it uniquely combines the mathematical rigor and compositional benefits of purely functional programming with the specialized domain of audio synthesis and processing. This allows developers to create complex audio algorithms with high-level abstractions while maintaining precise control over signal flow and performance. Its open-source nature and active development since 2002 have fostered a dedicated community, making it a significant tool for researchers, musicians, and sound designers seeking a powerful, expressive, and efficient environment for creating audio software and systems. The recognition with the 2022 Open Science Award underscores its value in open-source research software.

## Notable For
- Being a purely functional programming language specifically tailored for audio synthesis and processing.
- Its isomorphism to the lambda calculus, enabling formal reasoning and transformation.
- Receiving the Open Science Award for Open Source Research Software in 2022.
- Providing a high-level, block-based functional language that compiles to efficient C++ code for real-time audio.
- Its long-standing development history since 2002 under the GNU GPL.

## Body
### Overview
FAUST is a domain-specific programming language focused exclusively on audio programming. It is classified as both a purely functional programming language and an audio programming language. The language is designed for sound production, algorithmic composition, and sound synthesis.

### Technical Characteristics
- **Paradigm**: Purely functional programming.
- **Isomorphism**: FAUST is isomorphic to the lambda calculus.
- **Compilation**: FAUST programs are compiled into efficient C++ code, suitable for real-time audio applications.
- **Domain**: Specifically designed for audio programming tasks.
- **License**: GNU General Public License.

### Development & Distribution
- **Inception**: 2002.
- **Website**: http://faust.grame.fr.
- **Aliases**: faust.grame.fr, Programmiersprache Faust.
- **Recognition**: Awarded the Open Science Award for Open Source Research Software in 2022.
- **Availability**: Available via MacPorts (`faust`) and SlackBuilds (`audio/faust`).
- **Repology Project Name**: faust.

### Recognition & Presence
- **Wikipedia**: Title "FAUST (programming language)".
- **Wikidata ID**: Q2407 (programming language).
- **Commons Category**: FAUST (programming language).
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in commons, de, en, es, fr, uk.
- **Sitelink Count**: 6.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0c7hj2.
- **Microsoft Academic ID (Discontinued)**: 2776056051.
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ouvrirlascience.fr/remise-des-prix-science-ouverte-du-logiciel-libre-de-la-recherche/)
2. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)