The Game of Life - Using This Simulation

This simulation is the basic Game of Life. When you've mastered this one, why not try one which allows you to create your own rules - just follow the link at the bottem of the page when you think you're ready...

The basic simulation has the following buttons:

• Grid Size: Click on the pull down menu to select the size of the grid.

• Num Cycles: Click on the pull down menu to select the number of generations you wish the computer to cycle through.

• Choose Pattern: Click on the pull down menu to set up a predefined pattern on the grid

• OR Click on any square in the grid to make that cell become alive, or click again to kill a live cell. When you've finished setting up your pattern, just click start as usual.
  NB You can also select a set pattern from Choose Pattern, and then add/kill cells on that pattern.

• Next Generation: Click to advance the population ONE generation only.

• Start: Click to start the simulation progressing through the number of generations choosen
  NB If number of generations has not been specified, then the default number is 10.

• Faster: Increase the speed the next generation is drawn on the screen.

• Slower: Decrease the speed the next generation is drawn on the screen.

• Clear Grid: Click to clear the grid completely of any existing live cells.

Click here to go to the instructions for the advances applet, or just go straight to The Advances Applet