This is a very interesting assignment, but I would just point out that this is hardly an "intro CS course." They are doing these particular projects in an intermediate/advanced data structures/algorithms class. That would be a 3rd semester college-level course for those who entered without a programming background. At least that is where the link goes, and that seems appropriate for the assignment. Just building this as a Python API, rather than a separate interpreter might make for an interesting (and somewhat simpler project). The "critters" could then easily be programmed right in Python, which is something that even beginning programmers could do. --John On Monday 27 August 2007 9:08 am, Clare Richardson wrote:
There's an intro CS course at UT Austin that has an assignment where students create "critters" that can eat each other, etc, and the students in the class have a big tournament to see whose critter is the last man standing. This is often the favorite assignment of the semester, and many students from past years even come back for the tournament!
The assignment comes in two parts: 1) Write an interpreter for the "Critter language" 2) Define your own Critter in the Critter language
The class assignment is in Java, but could easily be turned into Python.
The project description and code are on this page: http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/jdiamond/cs315h/index.html#Proj3
Clare Richardson Technology and Program Coordinator Girlstart www.girlstart.org
-----Original Message----- From: edu-sig-bounces@python.org [mailto:edu-sig-bounces@python.org] On Behalf Of Winston Wolff Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 4:35 PM To: Dethe Elza Cc: edu-sig@python.org Subject: [Edu-sig] Scratch interface for Python,and network programming games.
Hi Dethe-
I have been thinking of exactly the same thing--a Scratch type environment for Python. And I've also purchased a Nintendo DS development kit, hoping to make a Python to Nintendo DS development system. Haven't had time to work on it though with my summer classes. I should have more time in the fall, perhaps we can collaborate?
My biggest interest on the Scratch/Python angle right now is to develop some team programming games. I.e. you write a program using Python raw or Python via a Scratch interface for beginners, and then you throw your program into the ring via the network and have it compete against other students.
Winston Wolff winstonw@stratolab.com (646) 827-2242
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