Polymorphic

Overview

Polymorphic is the composition language of the Noisemaker engine. A program chains effects with dots and writes the result to an output surface. It compiles to a directed graph of render passes that run as GLSL on WebGL2 or WGSL on WebGPU.

The Polymorphic app is a live-coding environment for the language. The shader fills the page, and the editor floats above it. The canvas updates as you type. Noisedeck compositions are Polymorphic programs, so code moves between the two apps.

The Book of Polymorphic DSL is an illustrated reference to over 100 effects. Every page is a running program that you can edit in place and open in Polymorphic.

Features

• Live editor

  The program recompiles as you type. Evaluate the whole program or a single block, and step through a history of successful programs.

• Inline number scrubbing

  Alt-drag any numeric literal to change it live. Shift gives fine steps and Ctrl or Command gives coarse steps.

• Purpose-built syntax

  Named arguments, oscillators, hex colors, enums, inline arithmetic, and chainable writes are part of the grammar.

• Live inputs

  Use a microphone for audio-reactive visuals, MIDI CC and clock, a webcam, or screen capture as shader sources.

• Media and text

  Load images and video with media(url: "...") and render text with text(...).

• Tempo

  Set BPM by tap tempo or follow MIDI clock for tempo-synced motion.

• Scenes and performance mode

  Save programs and recall them with the number keys. Performance mode hides all UI for clean projection.

• Recording and sharing

  Record the canvas to WebM video, save PNG or JPG stills, and publish a sketch to a short link.

• Command palette and gallery

  Search every action with Ctrl or Command + K, and load example sketches from the inspiration gallery.

• The Book of Polymorphic DSL

  An illustrated reference to over 100 effects, from synths and filters to 3D. Each page is an editable, running program with further reading on the technique.

Specifications

Get started

1. Open polymorphic.noisedeck.app.
2. Type search synth and noise().write(o0) to render a noise pattern.
3. Add effects with dots, for example noise().palette().lighting().write(o0).
4. Press ? for the keyboard shortcuts, or open the Book to browse effects.

Resources

• Polymorphic: the app
• The Book of Polymorphic DSL: illustrated effect reference
• Noisemaker documentation: language and effect specifications
• Desktop downloads: requires Noisedeck Forever

Questions

What is the difference between Polymorphic and Noisedeck?

Both use the same language and engine. Noisedeck is a visual editor with controls for each effect. Polymorphic is a code-first live-coding environment. A Noisedeck composition is a Polymorphic program.

What does a Polymorphic program look like?

Effects chain with dots and write to an output surface. For example, noise().palette().lighting().write(o0) generates noise, colors it, lights it, and writes it to surface o0.

Is Polymorphic free?

Yes. Polymorphic is free in the browser. The desktop app is included with Noisedeck Forever.

What is The Book of Polymorphic DSL?

An illustrated reference to over 100 Noisemaker effects. Each page is a full-screen running program with an explanation of its shader, and you can edit it in place or open it in Polymorphic.

Related products

• NoisedeckVideo synth for real-time shader art and live visuals.
• NoisemakerOpen source WebGL2 and WebGPU shader engine.
• Noisedeck FoundryHot-reloading editor for WebGL2 and WebGPU shader effects.