[PD] clone vs. dynamic patching

[oliver]

João Pais wrote:
> Hello list,
> 
> I didn't try clone yet, I always worked with dynamic patching for 
> similar issues. For those who are knowledgeable, I would like to ask: is 
> there any advantage of clone against dynamic patching when using the 
> same circuit, or is it the same?
> This pertains to patches working on both control and signal input/output.
> 

if you are familiar with MAX:

[clone] is nearly the same as [poly~]

one feature badly missing is the possibility ta allocate dynamic "voice" 
(or "instance") numbers (i.e. how many instances of an abstraction are 
created). i hope miller has plans to implement this in the future.

right now, all you can do is a combination of using [clone] and dynamic 
patching if you want to change the number of instances on the fly 
(destroy the old clone object and re-create it with new arguments with 
PD messages).

i used [clone] on several occasions and find it extremely useful, as you 
can directly edit the original source and see the results (as opposed to 
MAX).

i would say the best use case is a situation, where you need let's say 
10 or more copies of a patch (i.e. for parameter organisation, 
oscillator banks etc...). basically it's the same as creating multiple 
abstractions where you do the message routing internally with a creation 
argument

[abs 1]
[abs 2]
[abs 3]
[abs 4] etc...

so, no - there's no direct ADVANTAGE over dynamic patching but in 
general i think it's the better and clearer concept

best

oliver