Tell me more ×
Arqade is a question and answer site for passionate videogamers on all platforms. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 12 down vote favorite

Recently articles popped up of how someone created a working ALU in Minecraft. He is quoted in some articles saying he is going to take it a step further and create a real-working computer in Minecraft (a computer in a computer).

If he achieves this, what could be a possible application of a real-working computer inside a video game? Or is this more of a video game simulation of how computers work?

(Note: Mods, could you please forward this to the appropriate exchange site if this question is not applicable here?)

Edit:
Article and video to ALU in Minecraft

share|improve this question
3  
This is about Computer Engineering, not gaming. It can (supposedly) perform all things an ALU can do in a real computer, so this might be a good starting point: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arithmetic_logic_unit – StrixVaria Oct 1 '10 at 19:12
3  
The only way this could be conisdered on topic I think would to be to ask specifically about gameplay usages of an ALU. Which I think would be little to none. – Alex Larzelere Oct 1 '10 at 19:39
3  
@Alex, showing off is the point of Minecraft. :) – badp♦ Oct 2 '10 at 10:38
2  
I thought it was surviving the horrible night. – Alex Larzelere Oct 3 '10 at 11:50
3  
@Alex It's about surviving the horrible night so you can resume your showing off. – jblaske Oct 4 '10 at 16:10
show 1 more comment

2 Answers

up vote 7 down vote accepted

There is no application, any more so than any software virtual machine or emulator has any application. In short, anything that can be done with an ALU built in Minecraft can be done more easily and efficiently without playing Minecraft.

It may however, be less fun. Certainly, there is educational value in something like this, with the right teacher. But that's orthogonal to any sort of practical use.

share|improve this answer
up vote 7 down vote

The first thing that comes to mind is a pinpad.

You owe the Internet Oracle a combination lock system for an iron door.

share|improve this answer
6  
Building an entire ALU just so that you can password your door is an amazing idea. – StrixVaria Oct 1 '10 at 23:31
5  
The first to do this can safely be said to have Won Minecraft. – LessPop_MoreFizz Oct 2 '10 at 4:28
1  
I'll just dig under the door then... ;) – jblaske Oct 4 '10 at 16:11
3  
@jblaske good point, by the way did I talk with you about that lava pool installed squarely below my home? It's great for warming up ;D – badp♦ Oct 4 '10 at 16:34
Now thats a security system! At least once notch gets damage working on multiplayer. – jblaske Oct 4 '10 at 16:39
show 1 more comment

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.