F.A.Q
Q: buT cAN iT rUn dOOm?
A: It can't really "run" anything, its a number.
Q: Is it fast?
A: Define "fast". If you mean "faster than copying Euclid by hand", then yes, dramatically.
Q: Why did you make this?
A: I wanted arbitrary precision arithmetic, but I also wanted to feel something.
That FAQ is brilliant! There's something deeply satisfying about implementing modern computing concepts through ancient geometric constructions. The absurdity of a Game Boy ALU using compass and straightedge feels like the perfect intersection of mathematical elegance and programming whimsy.
The "I wanted to feel something" line really captures the essence of why we build these delightfully impractical things.
Cool. I just learned of compass and straight edge calculations from this video on doubling a cube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96LbF8nn05c from
Ben Syversen's channel a couple of months ago
> CasNum (Compass and straightedge Number) is a library that implements arbitrary precision arithmetic using compass and straightedge constructions. Arbitrary precision arithmetic, now with 100% more Euclid. Featuring a functional modified Game Boy emulator where every ALU opcode is implemented entirely through geometric constructions.
I'm wondering how hard would it be to extend it to include the whole game state plus all the ROM into the plane at the same time, and have it compute the next step from that!
I was wondering about this myself, it feels and probably is possible, and I have some ideas on how to do it. Though, on the one hand it would be cool if the entire GB was emulated using compass-and-straightedge, but OTOH, it would be less "pure" and a little more "forced" than just simulating the ALU, if you get what I mean.
One idea I had is trying to draw the graphics of the game using compass-and-straightedge constructions (i.e., using circles and lines to draw approximately the GB graphics)
The only part of the code that was written by AI is the graphics window visualizing the constructions (i.e., the points, lines and circles) and I used codex
A while back, they started aggressively rate limiting non-logged-in users.
I rarely login, because I don’t want to be a supply chain attack vector, but I guess that’s bad for someone’s promotion metrics.
Anyway, don’t host documentation there, and if you do, put it on one big page. If I read two paragraphs, think, then read the next page and so on, it bans me after about 5 clicks.
Them A/B testing “make it all private” would disappoint me, but not surprise me.
The "I wanted to feel something" line really captures the essence of why we build these delightfully impractical things.
To add my own "most relatable" quote to this thread:
> As always, please save any important work before running anything I ever write.
:')
But really I just want to add to the cacophony of appreciation in this thread :)
0x0mer, I hope you feel the love from this reaction and can bask in that warm inner glow for years to come.
And definitely feeling the love and the warm inner glow!!
Awesome :D
I'm wondering how hard would it be to extend it to include the whole game state plus all the ROM into the plane at the same time, and have it compute the next step from that!
I was wondering about this myself, it feels and probably is possible, and I have some ideas on how to do it. Though, on the one hand it would be cool if the entire GB was emulated using compass-and-straightedge, but OTOH, it would be less "pure" and a little more "forced" than just simulating the ALU, if you get what I mean.
One idea I had is trying to draw the graphics of the game using compass-and-straightedge constructions (i.e., using circles and lines to draw approximately the GB graphics)
I rarely login, because I don’t want to be a supply chain attack vector, but I guess that’s bad for someone’s promotion metrics.
Anyway, don’t host documentation there, and if you do, put it on one big page. If I read two paragraphs, think, then read the next page and so on, it bans me after about 5 clicks.
Them A/B testing “make it all private” would disappoint me, but not surprise me.