Hello! I want to create music and sound effects for my games by using code. I don't want to record anything. I know how to create simple beep sound but I want something more than that. I want sound that sounds different like drums, flute or piano. It doesn't have to sound exactly like a real instrument as long as it sounds good enough. I think what I need to know is the graphs of the sound waves and how to describe them in code. Does anyone know anything about this or know any tutorials?

Here's an example of the waveform of a snare drum:

http://deeperunderstanding.org/student_waveforms/wf_darryl.html

Some instruments produce very complicated sounds. Others are simpler. You "represent this in code" as data - you'll establish some 'sampling rate' and you'll have an amplitude for each sample.

If you're really interested in how sounds can be generated, check out the "Synth Secrets" series, available for free online.

Be warned, however, this is something which could take years to learn, especially if you want to simulate complex, natural sounds like strings.

Various techniques are applied - often sounds are created by combining basic waveforms (sine, triangle/saw, square) at various frequencies and amplitudes. Other sounds, like drums, are often created from short bursts of noise/static. Filters, amplitude envelopes and modulation (chorus, phaser, reverb etc) are all required to make a convincing set of instruments.

Thanks for all answers. Yes making something that sounds realistic might be hard. And slow ..

I think I can go for something much more simple. I just wanted different kinds of instrument sound to give more variation and be able to give a feeling. Maybe it's enough to just have small variations like vibration, fading and such.. well, I don't know much about creating music so I guess it will be hard to compose something good despite what sound I have. But trying won't hurt ;)

About sound effects like footsteps, ringing phone, success sound and so on.. I think this is simpler because they do not involve any composing and creative stuff. Maybe the sound effects are more complicated than than tones.. I don't think all are. Like flowing water, it sounds almost like white noise but there is something more to it than that. Maybe white noise will do but it is such easy things I like to get some input on. I have noticed that it's easy to find effects that would fit in an Alien/Space game. You just get these kind of effects by doing something wrong :p Too bad I don't want to make space games.

I'm not very picky. I think I can satisfy with how it sounded over 20 years ago. But pure square waves can be a little irritating on the ears.. I'm sorry if it sounds like I don't know what I want. I don't think I do exactly.