# hydra

#### live coding video synth

[Hydra](https://hydra.ojack.xyz) is live code-able video synth and coding environment that runs directly in the browser. It is [free and open-source](https://github.com/hydra-synth/hydra) and made for beginners and experts alike.

To get started, just open the [hydra web editor](https://hydra.ojack.xyz) on a laptop or mobile device and follow the on-screen instructions. Or, continue reading for more information and resources.


Hydra is written in JavaScript and compiles to WebGL under the hood. The syntax is inspired by analog modular synthesis, in which chaining or patching a set of transformations together generates a visual result.

#### hydra can be used to:
- mix and add effects to camera feeds, screenshares, live streams, and videos
- create generative and audio-reactive visuals, and share them online with others
- add interactive video effects to your website
- experiment with video feedback, fractals, and pixel operations
- live-jam with others online

#### features:
- available as a platform as well as a set of standalone modules
- compatible with other javascript libraries (such as p5.js, gibber, Tone.js, THREE.js)
- cross-platform and requires no installation (runs in the browser)
- also available as a package for live coding from within atom text editor
- experimental and forever evolving !!

For more information and instructions, see: [the interactive documentation](https://hydra.ojack.xyz/docs/), [getting started tutorial](https://hydra.ojack.xyz/docs/#/getting_started), [list of hydra functions](https://hydra.ojack.xyz/api/), [community database of projects and tutorials ](https://hydra.ojack.xyz/garden/), [source code](https://github.com/hydra-synth/hydra), and [gallery of user-generated sketches](https://twitter.com/hydra_patterns).

Hydra has an active community around the world working with art and code, diy internet spaces, live performance, video art, learning and teaching computer programming, and modular synthesis. Feel free to [share your work online](https://airtable.com/shr46DG8SYMPL7u9s), or to join the [discord](https://discord.gg/ZQjfHkNHXC) or [facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1084288351771117/) to connect with others.

Hydra was created by [olivia jack](https://ojack.xyz) and is supported by a community of contributers. If you enjoy using Hydra, please consider [supporting continued development <3](https://opencollective.com/hydra-synth) .

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- mix and add effects to camera feeds, screenshares, live streams, and videos
- create generative and audio-reactive visuals, and share them online with others
- add visual effects to your website
- live-jam with others online
- write code in realtime to create a live performance
- add visual effects to or embed a sketch in your website
- experiment with video feedback, fractals, and pixel operations
- combine hydra with other javascript libararies such as p5.js, Tone.js, Three.js
- experiment with video feedback, fractals, and pixel operation
- use MIDI or OSC to control parameters
- extend the libraries by writing your own shaders and adding functions
- live-jam with others online

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[Hydra](https://hydra.ojack.xyz) is an analog-synth-like coding environment for creating real-time visuals. The main editor runs directly in the browser and is [open-source](https://github.com/hydra-synth/hydra). You can simply open the [hydra web editor](https://hydra.ojack.xyz) on a laptop or mobile device to get started.

GETTING STARTED DOCUMENT MOVED TO: https://hackmd.io/7fMShQxdTEeCf1TQ-QQNNA

DRAFTS:

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Hydra is an open source platform for live coding visuals that works on the browser. Allowing transformations through code writing in real time.
Inspired by analog modular synthesizers it uses multiple framebuffers to allow dynamically mixing.
By interconnecting functions, what we do is to add or subtract pixels to generate changes in contrast, brightness, hue, saturation, color and even digital feedback.

It uses JavaScript as its main language, it can be linked with p5js (JS library for Processing) and also custom shaders, underneath, Hydra runs shaders (low level programming, WEBGL).
Can also be inserted webcams, videos, images and/or web pages, it allows control parameters via MIDI or OSC.

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Hydra is a set of tools that connect visuals, functions, people and ideas around the world. You can live-code visuals, stream to collaborators, create a feedback loop, and share with others. Hydra is open-source, and you can start easily by remixing other users’ sketches.

Hydra runs on a browser and uses WEBGL under the hood for generating and mixing visuals, but it offers even more: various built-in modules, step sequencers, and image sources such as webcam, p5.js, WEBRTC streaming, and even your desktop. You don’t need WEBGL shader coding at all; inspired by analog modular synthesizers, simply connecting modules (functions) generates an output. Modules are more than just effects and can modulate pixels and create video feedback. Hydra’s application is endless; for example, you can stream the video as a live-coding performance, or showcase your sketches by embedding them on your webpage.
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