Class 54: Core Wars

Held Tuesday, May 9, 2000

Overview

Today's outline does not yet have an overview. Please let me know if you think it should have one.

Question 54 for discussion today: Are core wars just a game/challenge or do they have a practical/productive use? Could they? What, if any, are the social implications of core wars? And, in general, what are the pros and cons of core wars?

Question 55 for reflection tomorrow: What were the best aspects of this class? The worst?

Notes

• Very few of you had responses in by 9am today. That's not the best way to wrap up the semester.
• Reminder: Attendance at tomorrow's class is required.

Contents

• Core Wars
  • Technology
  • Why Play Core Wars?
  • What About Viruses?

Summary

• Core wars technology
• Core wars basics
• Related issues: Alife and Viruses

Core Wars

Technology

• Simple computer model.
• Approximately ten instructions.
• Three addressing modes (why?)

Why Play Core Wars?

• Ivy wonders why anyone would want to play this game. What do you think?
• Sam's answers (taken implicitly from Dewdney:
  • Creativity in coding.
  • Creating ``life''.
• Would you react differently if we called this ``Core World'' or something similar?

What About Viruses?

• What is the relationship between core wars and viruses?
• Is core wars a harmless outlet?