This blog post details the author's process of creating a Checkers game using Rust and compiling it to WebAssembly (WASM) for play in a web browser. The author highlights the benefits of using Rust, such as performance and memory safety, and the relative ease of targeting WASM. They describe key implementation aspects, including game logic, board representation, and user interface interaction using the Yew framework. The post also covers setting up the Rust and WASM build environment, and optimizing the WASM module size for faster loading. The final result is a playable checkers game embedded directly in the webpage, demonstrating the practicality of Rust and WASM for web development.
Playscl is a platform for creating and playing simple, editable games. Users can modify existing games or build their own from scratch using a visual, block-based scripting language. The focus is on accessibility and ease of use, encouraging experimentation and sharing within the community. The platform aims to empower users to not just play games, but to understand and modify the mechanics behind them, fostering creativity and learning through playful exploration.
HN commenters were generally positive about the "editable games" concept presented. Several praised the simplicity and educational potential, suggesting it could be a great tool for teaching programming concepts or creating quick prototypes. Some expressed interest in seeing more complex examples and features like multiplayer functionality. A few commenters drew parallels to existing platforms like Bitsy and Pico-8, highlighting the niche this project fills for accessible game creation. Some questioned the long-term viability and whether the "edit while playing" aspect was truly novel, but the overall reception leaned towards appreciation for its ease of use and potential as a learning tool or creative outlet. A couple of users pointed out missing features such as undo/redo and improved UI elements.
Flash games were a pivotal force in the evolution of the video game industry. Accessible through web browsers with minimal hardware requirements, Flash enabled a surge in indie game development, fostering experimentation and innovation in genres, gameplay mechanics, and monetization strategies. Many prominent developers and studios honed their skills creating Flash games, leading to the rise of indie studios and influencing later mainstream titles. The platform democratized game creation, enabling anyone with a computer and creativity to share their work with a global audience, shaping the landscape of modern gaming by paving the way for web-based gaming, mobile gaming, and the independent game development scene we know today.
HN users largely praised the article for its thoroughness and nostalgic value, recalling their own experiences with Flash games and the impact they had on their childhoods or careers. Several commenters highlighted specific games and developers that resonated with them, showcasing the breadth and influence of the Flash gaming era. Some discussed Flash's accessibility as a development platform, enabling a generation of amateur game creators. Others lamented the loss of these games due to Flash's demise and the challenges of preservation, with a few mentioning BlueMaxima's Flashpoint project as a valuable preservation effort. The technical limitations of Flash, which fostered creativity, were also a topic of conversation.
The blog post "Solitaire" explores the enduring appeal of the classic card game, attributing its popularity to its simplicity, accessibility, and the satisfying feeling of order it creates from chaos. The author reflects on solitaire's history, from its potential origins as a fortune-telling tool to its modern digital iterations, highlighting how the core gameplay has remained largely unchanged despite technological advancements. The post argues that solitaire offers a meditative escape, a brief respite from daily stresses where players can focus on a manageable task with clear goals and achievable victories. This inherent sense of control and accomplishment, coupled with the game's undemanding nature, contributes to its timeless charm.
Hacker News users discuss the Solitaire blog post, focusing primarily on its technical aspects. Several commenters appreciate the in-depth explanation of the game's scoring system, particularly the breakdown of Vegas scoring and how bonus points are calculated. Some question the strategic implications discussed, debating whether the outlined strategies genuinely impact win rates or merely represent good practices. There's also discussion about different Solitaire variations and their respective rule sets, with users sharing personal experiences and preferences. The post's code implementation receives praise for its readability and clarity, although a few suggest potential improvements for handling specific edge cases.
Summary of Comments ( 30 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43364776
HN commenters generally praised the clean and performant implementation of Checkers in Rust and WASM. Several lauded the clear code and the educational value of the project, finding it a good example of Rust and WASM usage. Some discussed performance considerations, including the choice of using a 1D array for the board representation, suggesting a 2D array might offer better readability despite potentially slightly reduced performance. A few comments touched on potential enhancements, like adding an AI opponent or allowing undo/redo functionality. There was also minor discussion around alternative approaches to game development with Rust/WASM and other languages.
The Hacker News post titled "Checkers written in Rust and exported to WASM" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43364776) has a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the project and related technologies.
Several commenters praise the clean and simple implementation of the game, appreciating the author's focus on a straightforward approach rather than over-engineering. One user specifically highlights the value of this as a learning resource for those interested in Rust and WASM, noting it's more accessible than more complex examples.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the choice of Rust and WASM. Some users express enthusiasm for Rust's performance characteristics and memory safety features, seeing them as ideal for web-based game development. Others discuss the benefits of WASM for portability and performance. One commenter points out that WASM's ability to be run in various environments makes it a good choice for projects like this.
The use of the Yew framework is also a topic of conversation. Commenters familiar with Yew express their positive experiences with it. One user mentions its similarity to React, making it easier to learn for those coming from a JavaScript background.
Performance is touched on in several comments. One commenter questions the necessity of WASM for a simple game like checkers, suggesting that JavaScript might be sufficient. Another counters this, arguing that WASM offers performance advantages even for simpler games, particularly in scenarios with more complex logic or AI. There's also some discussion around the size of the WASM binary and potential optimizations.
Beyond the technical aspects, some comments focus on the user experience. One commenter suggests improvements to the UI, such as highlighting possible moves. Another appreciates the minimalist design.
In summary, the comments generally express positive sentiment towards the project, praising its simplicity, the technology choices, and its potential as a learning resource. The discussion covers various technical details related to Rust, WASM, and Yew, as well as aspects of performance and user experience.