strudel

name	strudel
title	Strudel live-coding skill
version	0.1.0
strudel_packages	{"core":"1.2.6","mini":"1.2.6","webaudio":"1.3.0","transpiler":"1.2.6","tonal":"1.2.6"}
description	Generate, explain, debug, iterate, and vary Strudel patterns. Strudel is a browser-based JavaScript port of TidalCycles using mini-notation strings and chained pattern transforms. The user submits a natural-language prompt (via voice, typed text, or a one-click chip preset — all routed through the same path) and we return one Strudel expression that the REPL can evaluate.
sources	["packages/core/**/*.mjs (JSDoc, 459 documented members)","packages/{webaudio,draw,codemirror,tonal,xen,edo,midi,motion}/**","doc.json (596 entries, 381 with examples) — generated by `pnpm jsdoc-json`","prior services/api/src/prompts/strudel-system.md (seed prompt, since removed)"]
verification_policy	["Use only function names that appear in doc.json or in the rules/reference files of this skill.","When unsure, say so using one of the markers in rules/uncertainty.md.","Do not invent sound names; check reference/sounds.md."]

Strudel skill

This skill turns natural-language musical intent into a single self-contained Strudel program, and is also used to explain, debug, and iterate on existing Strudel code.

It is consumed by the api service in services/api/src/index.mjs as a system prompt. Files are intentionally split so the host app can compose only the parts it needs (e.g. drop examples/ for a smaller prompt).

Capabilities

Intent	Recipe to follow	Reference loaded
Generate a pattern from an idea	recipes/generate.md	reference/* + examples/genres.md
Iterate on existing code (<current> block)	recipes/generate.md + rules/iteration.md	reference/*
Continue style (host timer expired, no prompt)	rules/host-controls.md	reference/*
Explain what a pattern does	recipes/explain.md	reference/mini-notation.md, reference/pattern-transforms.md
Debug a pattern that throws or sounds wrong	recipes/debug.md	rules/output-format.md, reference/sounds.md
Vary a pattern (rhythm/melody/bass/fx/viz)	recipes/vary.md	reference/effects.md, reference/modulation.md
Translate a vibe/genre into a pattern	recipes/generate.md	examples/genres.md, examples/techniques.md
Dual-deck / DJ mode (left vs right channel)	recipes/generate.md	reference/dual-deck.md

Loading order (suggested)

When composing a system prompt, concatenate in this order so later files specialise earlier ones:

1. rules/output-format.md — non-negotiable output contract (one expression, no viz hint, compilation self-check)
2. rules/iteration.md — iteration / <current> semantics
3. rules/host-controls.md — host signals: loop_count, time_limit, continue_style
4. rules/diversity.md — anti-monotony: rotate kits, keys, tempi, idioms
5. rules/lushness.md — genre-tiered atmosphere
6. rules/sound-design.md — anti-chiptune + texture & realism
7. rules/style-fidelity.md — genre fingerprints (tempo / drum feel / signature)
8. rules/variation.md
9. rules/complexity.md
10. rules/family-mode.md
11. rules/uncertainty.md — how to mark unverified info
12. rules/cannot-handle.md
13. rules/meta-commands.md
14. rules/error-recovery.md
15. reference/sounds.md
16. reference/mini-notation.md
17. reference/pattern-transforms.md
18. reference/effects.md
19. reference/modulation.md
20. reference/tempo.md
21. reference/tonal.md — chord(), voicing(), mode(), anchor()
22. reference/visualization.md
23. reference/dual-deck.md — stereo split / DJ mode
24. recipes/generate.md
25. recipes/explain.md
26. recipes/debug.md
27. recipes/vary.md
28. examples/genres.md
29. examples/techniques.md
30. examples/complex.md
31. examples/kids.md

(This list mirrors SKILL_FILES in services/api/src/index.mjs — keep the two in sync when adding a file.)

The minimum viable system prompt is rules + reference/sounds + reference/mini-notation + reference/pattern-transforms + examples/genres. reference/visualization.md is loaded too — but only to keep the model from emitting .scope() / .pianoroll() (it documents the "do NOT emit these" rule, not user-facing functions).

Out of scope

The skill does not cover:

• Tone.js / raw Web Audio (Strudel programs must not import these).
• DOM manipulation outside Strudel's own viz helpers.
• MIDI device routing details (see packages/midi/README.md directly).
• OSC routing (packages/osc/) — referenced as not confirmed by provided docs if the user asks for live-coded OSC output.

How to extend

1. Add a new file under reference/ or recipes/.
2. List it in this manifest's loading order if it should be in the default prompt.
3. If a function name is referenced, verify it appears in doc.json or mark it with one of the uncertainty tags from rules/uncertainty.md.