I'm pretty new to linux programming (background is mostly PHP/MySQL and bash), and completely new to anything to do with audio.

I need to read in an mp3 or wav file to view the waveform in order to output a scripted series of events based on the timeline of the song. I'd be happy writing some kind of plugin for an existing editor, but have no idea where to start.

I have looked all over the web, but everything I find (that has a waveform viewer) seems to be old and won't compile on my systems. I figured this would be somewhat simple -- HA! Silly man!

If anyone could PLEASE provide me a starting point, a link, a widget set, a how-to, anything at all that I could use to get moving on this; I would be in your debt forever!!

Here's basically what I'm trying to do:
-Read in an audio file (probably mp3 or wav)
-View the waveform on a timeline (I have to know the length of the song in .01/sec's)
-Create a series of buttons(?) along the timeline to flip a flag
-Output a script from the flags that corresponds to the timeline of the song.

Basically its supposed to be a computer controlled, automated lighting rig for a band.
(ideas courtesy of http://www.linuxguru.be)
The hardware is built, but the software is lacking-and it'd be a pain to have to have someone sit at the computer to control the lighting system (that was supposed to be automated)

This forum has saved me before-I hope y'all can help me now!
TIA

I suggest using libsndfile for reading the file, http://www.mega-nerd.com/libsndfile/ .
and I suggest learning the Open Sound System (Oss) for playback/recording/etc/, they
have a tutorial at their site, http://www.opensound.com/pguide/oss.pdf .
::edited::

For mp3 decoding Id use MAD, http://www.underbit.com/products/mad/ .