YouTube user theinternetftw has embarked on an ambitious project to create a fully working 16-bit computer that runs entirely in Minecraft, constructed from Minecraft blocks.
Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D world. This game has become a platform for creativity and innovation, enabling players to build anything from simple houses to complex machinery. Check out the video after the jump to see the 16-bit process in action.
The video below showcases the first computer subcomponent that theinternetftw has created. This subcomponent is a crucial part of the larger 16-bit computer project. You can investigate and explore its mechanics as it goes about its business, demonstrating the intricate processes involved in its operation.
The Ambitious Project
This is the first part of a planned 16-bit computer that will run entirely in Minecraft. That computer will be “Hack” compatible, which is to say that it’ll run code meant for the Hack machine described in The Elements of Computer Systems (an awesome book that you should look up if you are at all interested in how computers work). This project is far from over. Memory, here I come…
The Hack machine, as described in the book “The Elements of Computer Systems,” is a simple computer designed for educational purposes. It provides a clear understanding of how computers work at a fundamental level. By building a Hack-compatible computer in Minecraft, theinternetftw is not only showcasing his technical skills but also providing a valuable educational tool for others interested in computer science.
Technical Challenges and Innovations
Creating a 16-bit computer in Minecraft is no small feat. It involves a deep understanding of both computer architecture and Minecraft’s Redstone mechanics. Redstone is a material in Minecraft that can be used to create circuits and logic gates, which are the building blocks of any computer. Theinternetftw has to meticulously design and connect these Redstone components to replicate the functionality of a 16-bit computer.
One of the significant challenges in this project is managing the complexity of the circuits. In a real-world computer, components are microscopic and can be densely packed. However, in Minecraft, each component takes up a considerable amount of space, making the overall structure quite large. Despite these challenges, theinternetftw has made impressive progress, as evidenced by the video below.
The video provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the computer subcomponent. It highlights the complexity and precision required to build such a machine in a virtual environment. As the project progresses, it will be exciting to see how theinternetftw tackles the remaining challenges, such as adding memory and other essential components.
You can find more out about the game the computer was constructed in over at the Minecraft website. Minecraft’s flexibility and the creativity of its community continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within the game.
Via Boing Boing
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