`alv` ("alive") is a language for creating and changing realtime programs while they are running continuously. It can be used to create music, visuals or installations, but by itself creates neither sound nor video. Rather, `alv` is used together with other tools and synthesizers (for example [SuperCollider][supercollider] or [Pilot][pilot]). In such an ensemble of tools, `alive` takes the role of a 'conductor', telling the other tools what to play when by sending commands to them using a variety of protocols, such as OSC and MIDI. ## contents 1. [installation](installation.html) 2. [hello world](hello-world.html) 3. [working with the copilot](working-with-the-copilot.html) 4. [syntax](syntax.html) 5. [basic types](basic-types.html) 6. [importing operators](importing-operators.html) 7. [defining symbols](symbols.html) 8. [scopes](scopes.html) 9. [functions](functions.html) 10. [evaltime and runtime](evaltime-and-runtime.html) 11. [making sound](making-sound.html) [supercollider]: https://supercollider.github.io/ [pilot]: https://github.com/hundredrabbits/Pilot