Tuesday, August 03, 2004

Java port

Ok - I've finished, more or less, the Java port and the code design and stuff should be stabilising now (at last!).
Here's why we're using Java:
1. Java sandbox - mods are run in a sandbox so they are secure and can't harm the user's system.
2. Multiple mods at the same time - the user can combine mods so long as they don't modify the same classes.
3. Loading mods on the fly - mods can be loaded and unloaded on the fly - there's no need to restart the game (hopefully!).
4. Can enforce separation of the client and the engine.
5. Easy for non-engine developers to start coding - there's no complicated environment to setup, just load the Eclipse project and go (compare to before!)
6. Mod developers can use all the standard Java classes so don't have to rewrite standard routines all the time.

When I write mod above this also means the Armchair Bomber:2 game itself.

We need a name for the engine - it's currently called Java game engine but that's a bit rubbish. Any better suggestions?

The aim is to have all features implemented in the engine and most entities written by the end of this year.