Programming java if you don't really want to learn java

Hi

What are your opinions about this:
There's a Java program that offers editor support for hardware synthesizers, using the System Exclusive messages specified for each different supported synthesizer.

System Exclusive messages are strings of hexadecimal numbers, they describe values of certain parameters of sounds.
People who own a hardware synthesizer are usually musicians, and if they know about the System Exclusive specifications of their synthesizers, it means they are pretty advanced computer musicians.
But it doesn't mean they are programmers who are used to writing object-oriented code.

How can a musician write a piece of Java code without learning every aspect of the whole Java language?

I'm trying to write a step by step tutorial. But as there's a lot of different synthesizers, it's impossible to write a universal step by step tutorial. Or not ?

Hmm, maybe this post is not so very off topic and should belong at new to java ?

Java's not a simple scripting language. If you want to do some programming, you'll have no choice but to at least learn the basics well.

Hi Fubarable,
Thanks for sharing your opinion.
A simple scripting language might be XML right?
Just today, someone posted on the program's mailing list that they've provided an XML driver, so the idea to simplify the process is not new.

Now if I learn how this XML file should look like, maybe I'll write a Java program to help people writing the XML file :rolleyes:

I consider XML to be a document specification, not a programming language nor a scripting language. No I meant something on the order of simple Microsoft Word or Excel scripts to help automate things -- though these things can get pretty hoary in no time too.

Musicians make great programmers!

I would introduce them to making the sounds with a program first, results.
Give them the code and a task like making a rythem
The student will see a use for what they have learned or they wont.

I play guitar and mandolin and don't want a computer or amp within miles of them. My mandolin is a 1907 Martin bowl back, my guitar is a Martin DX12.

Then send me a link to the turorial I'm interested.

There are similarities between playing music and writing code, I agree.

JSynthLib, the program, is for editing patches of synthesizers. It's not very useful for a guitar or mandoline player. I mean, if you don't use MIDI.

I'm sorry for the many replies, but I need to get 20 posts before I can send you a link.

Ok, now I have 20 posts.
JSynthLib - home is where I started working on the tutorial.
write :: JSynthLib :: WebHome is where I plan to put the printable version.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SamuelM

Musicians make great programmers!

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My friend is a mathematician and teaches Music Theory at the Mainz university in Germany; he strongly disagrees with you and goes the other way around: most mathematicians and some programmers make good musicians. Most of the time he arrives home desperate, after having tried to teach those music students how to program. Only a few 'get it'. Have a look at his home page and maybe you'll find some interesting publications.

kind regards,

Jos