[net.games] 4.2 BSD search

mr-frog@sdcsvax.UUCP (Dave Pare) (06/29/84)

:
As a matter of fact, I have (re)written a version of 4.2 BSD
search, and it is complete with socket-ized i/o and works with
either AF_UNIX (local net domain) or AF_INET (internet domain)
sockets via an ethernet.  Other than the socket i/o, the game operates
exactly as before (to the best of my knowlege).  Source is about 150k,
but I can't send it to just anybody since some sites don't
appreciate a "free games" environment.  Send me a mail message
and we can organize something.  If you're on the arpanet, I can
get you a copy tomorrow!

For those that have never heard of search, following is a
semi-helpful manual page for it.

Dave Pare

[ucbvax | dcdwest]!sdcsvax!mr-frog



SEARCH(6)           UNIX Programmer's Manual            SEARCH(6)


NAME
     search - search and destroy players and aliens

SYNOPSIS
     search [host] [port]
     sscore

DESCRIPTION
     Search is a computer game which can be useful in expelling
     pent up frustration and anger.  Search is crt oriented and
     the object of the game is to accumulate points by searching
     out and destroying alien beings and other players flying
     through a "256 by 256 universe".  Many players are usually
     involved in a single "game" of search, each navigating their
     own spacecraft through a common universe.

     Search was recently modified to use sockets on 4.2 BSD unix.
     As a result, search now has the capability to be played
     across the ethernet using the optional "host" argument to
     search.  Any machine that supports the search daemon (has
     an entry for it in /etc/services) can play search on any
     other machine is running the search daemon.

     Additionally, the internet "port" number can be specified
     when invoking search.  Normally the search port number is
     extracted from /etc/services on the local machine.  If there
     is no entry for search on the local machine, a default port
     number will be tried.  If the user knows what port number
     the daemon (on the remote machine) listens at, he can enter
     a port number to try and connect to the remote daemon.

     For detailed directions, read the document A Guide to the
     Game of Search.

     The program sscore dumps the points data base.

FILES
     /etc/searchd   central server for all players
     /etc/services  holds the port numbers for the search service
     /usr/games/lib/search/points  player point totals
     /tmp/slock     communications socket between daemon and player

SEE ALSO
     Greg Ordy and Sam Leffler, A Guide to the Game of Search

BUGS
     While search employs termcap(5) to manage the screen, it
     requires that the terminal have an addressable cursor, clear
     screen capability, and at least 24 lines of 80 characters.

Printed 6/28/84              8/14/81                            1