What this book is
In Learn to code while building confidence and real-world applications: a handbook to Praat scripting, we will first learn some basics of programming: variables, syntax, comments, loops, conditions… As soon as you are mentally ready, we will start building projects with real-life consequences. By the end of the manual, you will have built:
- unit converters (kilometers to miles, Hertz to Bark…);
- an educational tool for learning the first 100 digits of pi;
- a conjugator of French verbs (I am not kidding!);
- a subtitling application;
- a virtual mini piano and played the chorus of ‘Jingle Bells’;
- a ‘Find the difference’-type game;
- many other fun projects.
As you can see, you can use Praat to cover a wide range of fields.
No prior knowledge of programming is required. If you already know how to program, you can regift. Or you can keep reading for all the funny stories. It is a literary classic after all!
What this book isn’t
This is by no means an introduction to acoustics. And, in case you are wondering, Praat – or any programming language for that matter – cannot accomplish tasks requiring decision making; this is what ChatGPT is for. Programming means telling the machine what to do, not the other way around. If only I had a nickel for every time someone had told me “I want Praat to do this for me”, I would most definitely be sunbathing on my private beach in the Bahamas right now.