Cagire: Live Coding in Forth

Cagire is an innovative live coding sequencer developed by Raphaël Maurice Forment. Released under the AGPL-3.0 license, the current version is v0.1.9 (2026).

🎹 What is Cagire?

At its core, Cagire reimagines the step sequencer. Instead of standard MIDI note data, every single step in the sequence houses a Forth script.

When the sequencer's playhead hits a step, the embedded script is executed. These scripts are highly versatile; they can:

• Generate raw sound.
• Trigger specific samples.
• Apply various audio effects.
• Remain silent.

The software comes equipped with a robust sound engine featuring oscillators, sample players, distortion, delay, reverb, and filters.

Logic Flow

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🛠 Technical Specifications & Downloads

Cagire is cross-platform and available for several environments. You can find the source code and report bugs via the Gitea issue tracker.

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💻 The Languages of Cagire

Cagire utilizes two distinct languages to bridge the gap between high-level sequencing and low-level signal processing.

1. Forth

The primary scripts are written in Forth, a concatenative language. The unique aspect of Forth is that it is read from right to left.

For example, the mathematical logic of a sound wave can be thought of as: $\text{Output} = f(\text{frequency}, \text{amplitude}, \text{filter})$

Here is a practical example of a single step:

saw snd c4 eb3 g3 note [ .5 .8 ] choose gain ( 8 crush ) sometimes 0.5 decay .

2. Arf

When the built-in tools aren't enough, Cagire provides Arf. This language is wrapped in curly braces { } and allows users to define their own DSP (Digital Signal Processing).

{ 110 saw 800 lpf out } synth .

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🚀 Features & Capabilities

Cagire is packed with tools for the modern electronic musician:

• Synthesis & Sampling
• Filters & Effects
• Modulation & Probability
• Music Theory Integration
• Live Performance Tools (MIDI, OSC, Ableton Link)
• Project Management & Recording
• Visuals & Custom Themes
• Integrated Forth Dictionary

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📖 Documentation & Support

Cagire includes interactive documentation directly within the application. This allows users to browse the sound engine, the interface, and both languages while running examples in real-time.

Supporting the Project

Cagire is a free, open-source project created by a single developer in their spare time. To help maintain servers and fund further development, donations are accepted via Ko-fi.

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🎨 The Philosophy of Live Coding

Live coding is the act of writing software in real-time, often performed in front of an audience. It is a medium for open experimentation and a vehicle for self-expression through code. It exists at the intersection of the technical, the poetical, and the weird. Whether creating visual art or music, live coding is an autotelic activity—the act of creation is its own reward.