Pure Data Reference

Pure Data (Pd) reference documentation organized by topic. Files are independent unless cross-referenced. Load relevant files as needed.

Core Concepts

• pd-fundamentals.md - Patches, canvases, box types, inlets/outlets basics
• pd-execution-model.md - Message passing, execution order, hot/cold inlets
• pd-workflow-and-editing.md - Edit vs run mode, patch editing operations
• pd-advanced-structures.md - Subpatches, abstractions, arrays, graph-on-parent

Audio Processing

• pd-audio-fundamentals.md - Sample rates, tilde objects, signal/control conversion basics
• pd-audio-routing.md - Signal routing, throw/catch, send/receive, feedback loops
• pd-audio-performance.md - Block size optimization, DSP control, realtime processing
• pd-audio-objects.md - Reference catalog: oscillators, filters, analysis, I/O
• pd-audio-examples.md - Quick-start audio patches with raw .pd code
• pd-audio-multichannel.md - Multichannel signal features (Pd 0.54+)

Envelopes

• pd-envelopes-basics.md - Basic envelope generation with line~ and vline~
• pd-envelopes-adsr.md - ADSR abstraction implementation and retrigger behavior
• pd-envelopes-dbtable-conversions.md - Logarithmic dB conversion and quartic curves
• pd-envelopes-pitch-modulation.md - Pitch envelopes, portamento, frequency modulation
• pd-envelopes-reference.md - Envelope techniques comparison and parameter ranges

Expression Language

• pd-expr-basics.md - expr, expr, fexpr objects and methods
• pd-expr-operators-and-functions.md - Complete math and function reference tables
• pd-expr-strings.md - String manipulation operations (control-rate only)
• pd-expr-examples-and-advanced.md - Real-world calculation patterns and performance

File Format

Essentials

• pd-file-format-reference.md - .pd file syntax, object types, connection format
• pd-file-format-messaging.md - Send/receive patterns, $0 addressing, message variables
• pd-file-format-organization.md - Subpatches, abstractions, creation arguments structure

Advanced

• pd-file-format-patterns.md - Reusable patch templates and common structures
• pd-file-format-generation.md - Programmatic .pd file creation from code
• pd-file-format-validation.md - File format validation and error detection

Message Routing

• pd-message-construction.md - Message aggregation and distribution with pack/unpack
• pd-message-variables-and-dispatch.md - Dynamic messages using $N, semicolons, commas
• pd-conditional-routing.md - Decision-making with select, route, spigot, moses
• pd-random-numbers.md - Pseudo-random generation, seeding, distributions
• pd-routing-patterns.md - Design patterns for message flow and control logic

Networking

• pd-fudi-protocol.md - FUDI protocol specification and command-line tools
• pd-osc-protocol.md - OSC protocol concepts and native object usage
• pd-network-objects-reference.md - netsend, netreceive, oscformat, oscparse reference
• pd-networking-guide.md - Network examples, TCP vs UDP, debugging strategies

Sampling

• pd-sampling-basic-reading.md - Scratch machine and basic table looping
• pd-sampling-smooth-looping.md - Click-free loops with envelopes and overlapping readers
• pd-sampling-triggered-playback.md - One-shot and parameterized sample triggering
• pd-sampling-polyphony.md - Multi-voice sample allocation and management
• pd-sampling-utilities.md - Table operations and sampler object reference

Timing & Sequencing

• pd-timing-metro-counters.md - Periodic pulse generation and counting patterns
• pd-timing-conditional-counting.md - Bounded sequences with conditional logic
• pd-timing-delays-timers.md - Single-event scheduling with delay and timer
• pd-timing-pipe.md - Multi-event queuing with data preservation
• pd-timing-sequencing.md - Complex event scheduling with qlist and text
• pd-timing-loops.md - Immediate iteration with until (safety warnings)
• pd-timing-reference.md - Timing precision notes and quick reference tables
• pd-timing-and-format.md - Scheduling semantics, determinism, time representation

Task Recipes

• common-tasks-creating-patches.md - When to use subpatches vs abstractions
• common-tasks-osc-networking.md - OSC message receive/send implementation
• common-tasks-sample-playback.md - Loading samples from files and tables
• common-tasks-audio-processing.md - Rate conversion, envelope application, stereo panning
• common-tasks-message-routing.md - Trigger sequencing and threshold routing
• common-tasks-testing-validation.md - Console debugging and signal monitoring
• common-tasks-integration-setup.md - External libraries, path configuration, DSP startup
• common-tasks-performance-optimization.md - CPU profiling and DSP optimization strategies

Troubleshooting

• troubleshooting-patch-creation.md - Object creation failures, DSP loops, network setup
• troubleshooting-audio.md - DSP configuration, signal flow, audio device issues
• troubleshooting-timing-performance.md - Message ordering, latency, CPU dropouts
• troubleshooting-libraries-advanced.md - External library loading and array configuration
• troubleshooting-debugging-methodology.md - Systematic debugging workflow

Project Context

Architecture: ESP32 Sensors → OSC :8000 → Pure Data → Audio Out + OSC :8001 → Lighting

Required Externals: mrpeach (OSC), cyclone (Audio utilities)

Project Files:

• docs/audio/reference/phase1-trd.md - Technical requirements
• docs/audio/tasks/phase1-audio.md - Implementation tasks
• audio/patches/ - Patch files
• audio/samples/ - Audio samples