How to code

Running Worlds is easy. Click World images to run them. Try running the Editor's Choice Worlds or Random Worlds.

There are currently 5,273 Worlds on this site.

There are introductory pages:

Introduction

The basics of what this site is. You can code your own "Worlds". They are hosted on this server. Introduces the idea of "tweakers", users who can change some code without being full programmers.

List of features

Extensive list of features of the Ancient Brain site.

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Definitions and Principles

Explains the idea of "Worlds" and "Minds", and types of Worlds. Explains the core Principles of Ancient Brain.

How to run Worlds

Click World images to run them. No install needed. Runs open in a new tab. Runs take place on a separate "run" server. Runs on that server are like untrusted web pages.

All Worlds are coded in JavaScript. We use a JavaScript "library" to make it easy to code graphics. Your big decision is whether to use the "P5" library or the "Three.js" library.

The P5 library is probably easier to get into if you are a beginner coder. But it has some features that may annoy non-beginners. It seems to be harder to do more advanced graphics with it. There are a number of P5 teaching courses on this site.

The Three.js library is a little more intimidating for a beginner coder. But it is well suited to non-beginners. It is designed for advanced graphics. There is currently no Three.js teaching course on this site. On the other hand, almost all the advanced Worlds on this site are Three.js.

• Once you have seen how to code on Ancient Brain, the easiest way to progress is to start modifying existing Worlds.
• Pick one of the Starter Worlds. "Clone" it, and edit your copy.
• The easiest parts of the code to change are in the "tweaker's box" at the top.

As you keep learning, here are some examples of what you can build on this site. Build something beautiful!

Here are some of the most advanced Worlds: