# rtaudio
**Wikidata**: [Q122446093](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122446093)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rtaudio

## Summary
**rtaudio** is a cross-platform software library for real-time audio input/output, developed by Gary Scavone. It provides a consistent API for accessing audio hardware across different operating systems, making it a foundational tool for audio applications.

## Key Facts
- **Developer**: Gary Scavone
- **Latest stable version**: 6.0.1 (released 2023-08-01)
- **Repository**: [GitHub](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio)
- **Primary use**: Real-time audio processing and streaming
- **Cross-platform**: Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- **First release**: 4.1.0 (2014-04-11)
- **Major versions**: 4.1.0, 5.0.0, 5.1.0, 5.2.0, 6.0.0
- **Class**: Software (non-tangible executable component)

## FAQs
### Q: What is rtaudio used for?
A: rtaudio is primarily used for real-time audio input/output operations, enabling developers to access audio hardware consistently across different operating systems.

### Q: Who developed rtaudio?
A: rtaudio was developed by Gary Scavone, a well-known figure in the audio programming community.

### Q: Is rtaudio open-source?
A: Yes, rtaudio is open-source and available on GitHub under the MIT license.

### Q: Which operating systems does rtaudio support?
A: rtaudio supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a unified API for audio hardware access.

### Q: How do I install rtaudio?
A: Installation instructions can be found in the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio).

## Why It Matters
rtaudio addresses a critical need in audio programming by providing a standardized interface for real-time audio input/output. Its cross-platform compatibility simplifies development for applications requiring low-latency audio processing, such as digital audio workstations, synthesizers, and live performance tools. By abstracting platform-specific audio APIs, rtaudio reduces complexity and accelerates innovation in audio software. Its open-source nature fosters community contributions and ensures long-term support, making it a cornerstone for developers in the audio and multimedia fields.

## Notable For
- **Cross-platform consistency**: Offers a unified API for audio hardware access across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- **Real-time performance**: Designed for low-latency audio processing, critical for professional audio applications.
- **Open-source foundation**: Hosted on GitHub with active community contributions, ensuring ongoing development and support.
- **Developer-friendly**: Simplifies audio programming by abstracting complex platform-specific APIs.
- **Long-term stability**: Regular updates and maintenance, with the latest stable version (6.0.1) released in 2023.

## Body
### Overview
rtaudio is a C++ library that provides a consistent API for real-time audio input/output across different operating systems. It was created by Gary Scavone to address the fragmentation of audio APIs in various platforms.

### Development and Releases
- **Initial release**: Version 4.1.0 was released on 2014-04-11.
- **Major updates**: Subsequent versions (5.0.0, 5.1.0, 5.2.0) introduced improvements and bug fixes.
- **Latest version**: 6.0.1, released on 2023-08-01, with ongoing maintenance and updates.

### Technical Features
- **Cross-platform support**: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- **Low-latency audio**: Designed for real-time audio processing.
- **Open-source**: Licensed under the MIT license, allowing free use and modification.

### Community and Adoption
- **GitHub repository**: Hosted at [thestk/rtaudio](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio).
- **Active development**: Regular updates and community contributions ensure its relevance in modern audio programming.

### Use Cases
- **Audio applications**: Used in digital audio workstations, synthesizers, and live performance tools.
- **Research and education**: Provides a stable foundation for audio-related projects and research.

## References

1. [Release 4.1.0. 2014](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/4.1.0)
2. [Release 4.1.1. 2014](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/4.1.1)
3. [Release 4.1.2. 2016](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/4.1.2)
4. [Release 5.0.0. 2017](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/v5.0.0)
5. [Release 5.1.0. 2019](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/5.1.0)
6. [Release 5.2.0. 2021](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/5.2.0)
7. [Release 6.0.0. 2023](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/6.0.0)
8. [Release 6.0.1. 2023](https://github.com/thestk/rtaudio/releases/tag/6.0.1)