Uplink in-game programming

[Retro]

This is probably way to much work for introversion, but i would like uplink to have a shitty little programming language in it. You know really simple. You could learn to do crappy stuff in an hour or 2.

I mention this becuase hackers write most of their own stuff (at least REAL hackers do). I have no clue how it would work, but it would add a new dimension to hacking. You need the right programs for different tasks and they need to be effecient. You could also make programs that do multiple things at once. This would also mean that you wouldn't be limited to just the software in the game. You could make programs that do all sorts off stuff.

You could also always just buy the software in the game like usual, but they would be more expensive than they r now and a well put together custom program would run a bit faster than the bought version.

Hell, in Uplink 2, ppl could sell their programs to other players.

I'm sure this is too much work for the devolopers but it would kick ass wouldn't it?

[Shark_uplink]

This would be great! Just a simple programing in C++ or something and of couse there should also be help and tutorial in the game, and then you could have mission to make your own program, to improve program that you've bought or somthing, and I've seen this before - in game called Colobot - you had to program robots to do some jobs in language something between Java and C++

[Jabberwocky]

Yes, and no.

It would be a rush for the coders to make the most kickass tool. A tool where you basically just feed in an IP and what you want it to do, and the tool does it.

That wouldnt be fun, would it.

[Gerikes]

I wouldn't mind writing your own "tools", but I think that the programming languague would have to be more like BASIC to be more popular. Something where all the function names do exactly what they say, variables don't need to be intialized, etc.

[Retro]

Yeah guys, I said a crappy tiny little language. C++ need not apply, lol. It is made specifically for use in Uplink so in won't need many commands and such. It should be something that a complete newbie can pick up in an hour or two.

[heatsink]

I think it could be either a language that works like a shell script, or a graphical programming language something like LabVIEW (well that's the only GPL I know).

I would think the point of writing programs would be to automate/speedup your routine jobs. I mean, the game isn't built so you can write an Encrypter v8.0 or a Password Modifier, is it? But why not write one that uses Log Modifier to change all instances of 182.501.7.53 in the logs to 5.135.0.24 or whatever...

Hey I got an idea, why not have some of the more advanced software come in buggy versions that you have to buy patches for? It'd be more realistic, after all...

[Retro]

Yeah, heatsink, i think thats what i had in mind. The automation thing. Only, software would be more expensive to encourage you to program regular log deleters and stuff. Just an idea though.

[Attm0]

yes yes yes i think this is a groooovy idea.
make yer own little ip probes n yer own firewall bypassers... and multi-functioning tools like so when the trace is at 85% or something your logs start getting deleted.. that would be shweet mate.
altho that might make things a little too easy.. who knows.

[Retro]

Again i have no clue how they would implement it or how they would balance it, BUT if they coud it would rule.

[Attm0]

uhuh ya daaaamn right.
whos the cat who delivers 10 times outa 10... UPLINK
ya dayum right

[Gerikes]

Sure, writing your own programs that automatically deletes the logs for you might make things easier, but what how reliable is it? What if your coding is bad and the logs don't get deleted? What you lose in difficulty you could make up in purely paranoid panicking. :)

(Edited by Gerikes at 9:55 pm on Dec. 8, 2001)

[Attm0]

ha, friend of mine who also plays uplink, just had an idea for the internet/multiplyer nteractivity bit, because youd be able to hack other agents etc, and frame other agents, you should be able to set up yer own server with monitors, proxys an firewalls, and also because all you need is another agents ip and you can frame them for crimes, you should be able to hire lawyers for alot each month to keep you out of jail just long enough to prove yer innocence.
knd of a dumb idea at first, but think about it for a while and its not so bad.

[Retro]

what does that have to do with the topic?

[IICV]

The world may never know.

But back on topice, if we have a graphical programming language, something like Mind Rover's would be really nice. You could have the main components be basic programs that you buy, and then you link them with sensors, like track sensor, or key combinations, and logic components in between.

[Retro]

mind rover rules! However i definetly had more of a traditional non-graphical programming language.