Inform: Implementing a computer.


8 Dec 1995 12:29:56 GMT

I need some opinions.

If I were to go about implementing a computer in an adventure in Inform,
what would be the best way, from both a player and implementation
point of view.

I've thought of a couple of possibilities:

1. Define a TYPE verb, a session may go as follows:

Lab. You can see a computer.
The screen displays
1. Data input
2. Store data
3. Exit
> TYPE 1
The screen displays
1. Numerical data
2. Text data
3. Main menu
> TYPE 2
etc..... ( Hugely simplified for brevity. )

2. Use the HINT menu system, with the appropriate changes in the libraries
of course. This would have the advantage of the user being able to scroll
up and down with cursor keys and so on. It would have the disadvantage of
being a menu-only computer tho'.

So, as players which would you prefer, or as implementers, which would
be feasible? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. The reason this has been posted to both r.a.i-f and r.g.i-f is that
I would like input from both programmers _and_ players. Sorry if that
annoys anyone.

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