A comprehensive, progressive tutorial series that transforms you from a JUCE beginner to a professional audio developer. Learn to build sophisticated audio applications, plugins, and tools using modern C++ and industry best practices.
Transform a simple "Hello JUCE!" application into a professional-grade audio utility plugin featuring:
- Multi-band EQ with real-time frequency response visualization
- Dynamic compressor with sidechain support and gain reduction metering
- Advanced delay effects with modulation and tempo synchronization
- Real-time spectrum analyzer with peak detection and FFT processing
- MIDI integration with MPE support and parameter automation
- Modern C++20 features including concepts, coroutines, and metaprogramming
- Cross-platform deployment (VST3, AU, AUv3, Standalone)
- C++ Knowledge: Intermediate level (C++11 features recommended)
- Development Environment:
- macOS: Xcode 12+
- Windows: Visual Studio 2019+ or MinGW
- Linux: GCC 9+ or Clang 10+
- CMake: Version 3.15 or higher
- Git: For cloning the repository
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/your-username/juce-audio-tutorial.git
cd juce-audio-tutorial
# Initialize JUCE submodule
git submodule update --init --recursive
# Create build directory
mkdir build && cd build
# Generate build files
cmake ..
# Build the project
cmake --build .
# Run the application
./TestJuce # Linux/macOS
# or TestJuce.exe on WindowsIf everything is set up correctly, you should see a window with "Hullo JUCE!" displayed on a dark grey background.
Build solid GUI skills before introducing audio complexity
| Module | Focus | Duration | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | JUCE Basics & Setup | 2-3 hours | Component system, project structure, modern C++11 |
| Module 2 | Interactive Controls | 3-4 hours | Event handling, layout management, C++14 features |
| Module 3 | Advanced Layout | 2-3 hours | Responsive design, FlexBox, custom components |
| Module 4 | Custom Graphics | 3-4 hours | Animations, visual effects, advanced drawing |
Introduce audio concepts while maintaining GUI focus
| Module | Focus | Duration | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 5 | Audio I/O & Architecture | 4-5 hours | Audio threading, device management, real-time safety |
| Module 6 | Advanced DSP & Effects | 6-8 hours | Multi-band EQ, compression, delay, visualization |
| Module 7 | Modern C++20 Integration | 4-6 hours | Concepts, coroutines, metaprogramming, testing |
Advanced features and professional polish
| Module | Focus | Duration | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 8 | Advanced DSP Algorithms | 5-7 hours | Professional algorithms, oversampling, optimization |
| Module 9 | Professional GUI & UX | 4-6 hours | Custom Look & Feel, accessibility, advanced visualization |
| Module 10 | Multi-Platform Deployment | 3-5 hours | VST3, AU, AUv3, code signing, distribution |
Total Learning Time: 35-50 hours (can be completed over 4-8 weeks)
Perfect for developers new to audio programming
Focus: Build confidence with GUI development before tackling audio complexity
- Start with Module 1 and progress sequentially
- Spend extra time on Modules 1-4 to master JUCE fundamentals
- Complete all exercises and code challenges
- Timeline: 6-8 weeks, 6-8 hours per week
For developers with some audio or JUCE experience
Focus: Balanced progression through GUI and audio concepts
- Follow the standard module sequence
- Focus on practical implementation over theory
- Skip basic exercises, focus on advanced challenges
- Timeline: 4-6 weeks, 8-10 hours per week
For experienced developers wanting to master advanced techniques
Focus: Rapid progression to advanced audio processing and modern C++
- Quick review of Modules 1-2
- Deep dive into Modules 6-7 (Advanced Audio & Modern C++)
- Emphasis on performance optimization and professional techniques
- Timeline: 3-4 weeks, 10-12 hours per week
Focus on iOS/Android audio applications
Focus: Mobile-specific audio development with AUv3 and Android Audio
- Modules 1-2, 5-6 (core concepts)
- Module 10 with emphasis on AUv3 and mobile deployment
- Additional mobile-specific examples and exercises
- Timeline: 4-5 weeks, 6-8 hours per week
juce-audio-tutorial/
├── 📁 JUCE/ # JUCE framework (submodule)
├── 📁 Source/ # Main application source code
│ ├── 📁 AdvancedDSP/ # Advanced DSP implementations
│ ├── 📁 ModernCPP/ # Modern C++ examples and utilities
│ ├── 📁 Visualization/ # Real-time audio visualization
│ ├── 📁 Tests/ # Unit tests and benchmarks
│ └── 📁 Exercises/ # Hands-on coding exercises
├── 📁 tutorials/ # Detailed tutorial modules
├── 📁 examples/ # Standalone code examples
├── 📁 docs/ # Additional documentation
├── 📄 README.md # This file
├── 📄 GETTING_STARTED.md # Detailed setup instructions
├── 📄 QUICK_REFERENCE.md # Quick lookup guide
└── 📄 CMakeLists.txt # Build configuration
By completing this tutorial series, you will:
- ✅ Master JUCE Framework: Component system, audio processing, plugin development
- ✅ Modern C++ Proficiency: C++11 through C++20 features in audio context
- ✅ DSP Implementation: Filters, effects, real-time processing, optimization
- ✅ Professional Development: Testing, debugging, performance profiling
- ✅ Cross-Platform Deployment: Multiple plugin formats and platforms
- ✅ Audio Standards: VST3, AU, AAX plugin formats and specifications
- ✅ Real-Time Programming: Thread safety, lock-free programming, memory management
- ✅ User Experience: Professional GUI design, accessibility, workflow optimization
- ✅ Performance Optimization: SIMD, multi-threading, compile-time optimization
- ✅ Quality Assurance: Unit testing, integration testing, automated validation
- ✅ Portfolio Projects: Professional-quality audio applications and plugins
- ✅ Industry Best Practices: Code organization, documentation, version control
- ✅ Problem-Solving Skills: Debugging audio issues, performance optimization
- ✅ Continuous Learning: Foundation for advanced audio programming topics
- Getting Started Guide: Detailed setup and first steps
- Tutorial Index: Complete module overview and progress tracking
- Quick Reference: JUCE classes, concepts, and patterns lookup
- Architecture Overview: Technical design and learning progression
- Code Examples: Standalone examples for key concepts
- Exercises: Hands-on coding challenges with solutions
- Tests: Unit tests demonstrating best practices
- Performance Benchmarks: Performance targets and optimization guides
- 📋 Issues: Report bugs or ask questions via GitHub Issues
- 💬 Discussions: Join community discussions for tips and collaboration
- 📧 Contact: Reach out for specific questions or feedback
- 🔗 Resources: Links to JUCE documentation, forums, and additional learning materials
We welcome contributions! See our Contributing Guide for:
- Code contributions and improvements
- Documentation updates and corrections
- New examples and exercises
- Translation to other languages
"This tutorial series took me from knowing nothing about audio programming to landing my first job at a major audio software company. The progressive approach and real-world examples made all the difference." — Sarah Chen, Audio Software Engineer
"The modern C++ integration module was exactly what I needed to update our legacy codebase. The performance improvements were immediately noticeable." — Marcus Rodriguez, Senior Developer
"As a mobile developer transitioning to audio, the specialized mobile path helped me understand the unique challenges of real-time audio on iOS and Android." — Aisha Patel, Mobile Audio Developer
Track your progress through the tutorial series:
- Module 1: JUCE Basics & Setup
- Module 2: Interactive Controls
- Module 3: Advanced Layout
- Module 4: Custom Graphics
- Module 5: Audio I/O & Architecture
- Module 6: Advanced DSP & Effects
- Module 7: Modern C++20 Integration
- Module 8: Advanced DSP Algorithms
- Module 9: Professional GUI & UX
- Module 10: Multi-Platform Deployment
- Basic GUI Application (End of Phase 1)
- Audio Processing Plugin (End of Phase 2)
- Professional Audio Utility (End of Phase 3)
- OS: macOS 10.13+, Windows 10+, or Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)
- RAM: 4GB (8GB recommended)
- Storage: 2GB free space
- CPU: Any modern x64 processor
- IDE: Xcode (macOS), Visual Studio (Windows), CLion or VS Code (cross-platform)
- Git Client: Command line or GUI client
- Audio Interface: For testing real-time audio (optional but recommended)
- DAW Software: For plugin testing (Reaper, Logic Pro, Cubase, etc.)
This tutorial series is released under the MIT License, making it free for educational and commercial use.
This project uses the JUCE framework, which is available under both GPL and commercial licenses. See JUCE Licensing for details.
- Catch2: Testing framework (Boost Software License)
- Additional libraries: See individual module documentation for specific attributions
After completing this tutorial series, consider exploring:
- Machine Learning in Audio: AI-based audio processing and analysis
- Spatial Audio: 3D audio, ambisonics, and immersive audio formats
- Embedded Audio: Real-time audio on embedded systems and microcontrollers
- Web Audio: Audio processing in browsers using WebAssembly
- Open Source Contributions: Contribute to JUCE or other audio libraries
- Industry Networking: Join audio developer communities and conferences
- Specialized Domains: Game audio, broadcast, live sound, or research
- Entrepreneurship: Develop and market your own audio software products
- Stay Updated: Follow JUCE updates and new C++ standards
- Expand Skills: Learn complementary technologies (DSP theory, UI/UX design)
- Build Portfolio: Create diverse projects showcasing your skills
- Share Knowledge: Write blog posts, give talks, or mentor others
Ready to start your JUCE audio development journey?
👉 Begin with Getting Started Guide
👉 Jump to Module 1: JUCE Basics
This tutorial series is actively maintained and updated. Star ⭐ this repository to stay updated with new content and improvements!