Talk:Slide

Wouldn't it be better to use spaces for empty space? I've also been using "#" for immovables in my scribblings here. Of course, the input syntax doesn't really matter once execution starts: at runtime all objects are either normal or a "halt" object. You could even come up with an alternate image-based syntax.

Second point: if the program halts, where does the "halt" object end up in the final configuration? Does it follow the entire motion it was starting, or stop after moving just that one space? Perhaps it would be better to specify that the program halts if a "halt" object is selected to be moved and is capable of moving (but don't actually move it), or else specify to move it the full distance and then halt.

Finally, I have most of a stack structure designed: push and peek look like they should work, but there is a small bug with pop that I'm trying to resolve. --GreyKnight (talk) 20:55, 24 June 2014 (UTC)

Yeah, spaces for empty space would definitely make sense. My idea was inspired to some degree by Nethack, where the space character usually represents solid rock. As for the "halt" object, my intention was that it would follow the entire motion before the program halts. Feel free to edit the spec as you see fit. Also, I'm looking forward to hearing if you come up with anything cool. --Tanner Swett 107.5.152.253 13:33, 26 June 2014 (UTC)

Trivial observation: By a certain famous theorem, at most 4 non-h letter types suffice to write all programs. --Ørjan (talk) 03:28, 27 June 2014 (UTC)

Yes, I believe you. Perhaps it mean, then, you can add more special effects (such as I/O) by use of other letters? I also do not know how to solve problem of how to unjam a polyomino when there are a lot of them which are movable like this. --Zzo38 (talk) 05:34, 29 June 2014 (UTC)

The other letters are useful for clarifying diagrams, even if they aren't strictly necessary.

Jamming certain objects in place may actually be beneficial, to help achieve semi-deterministic behaviours. --GreyKnight (talk) 14:19, 29 June 2014 (UTC)