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Algorithmic composition can be done as a live performance using live coding tools. An example approach to such performances is described. Using the Conductive library for the Haskell programming language in conjunction with some external tools, samples are triggered according to interonset interval patterns generated at a variety of densities. Automatic movement through those density levels is accomplished through a specialized data structure, which is also used to time-vary other parameter values. The performer manages the state of the above items, and audio is finally output through effects.

To do live coding, I use a library called Conductive that I have written in the Haskell programming language and hsc3 (the Haskell bindings to the SuperCollider synthesis engine) on top of a standard Linux audio system (ALSA and JACK) with Patchage for routing.
The interaction method is loading prepared code, editing that code, and entering new code in the vim text editor. The code is sent to the interpreter of the Glasgow Haskell Compiler (GHCi) using tmux (a terminal multiplexer) and a plugin for vim (tslime).
The contents of that interaction involves managing multiple concurrent processes that spawn events. The code being edited or written in the performance involves controlling things such as:
- the number of concurrent processes running at a given time
- what kinds of events those processes are spawning
- the rate and rhythm of event spawning
- the setting and adjustment of time-variable parameters