Lessons from implementing Sokoban for the Intel 8080

Franklin Pezzuti Dyer shares his experience of implementing the Sokoban game for the Intel 8080 architecture, driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of low-level computer architecture. After successfully creating an emulator that runs classic games like Space Invaders and Lunar Rescue, he decided to write the Sokoban game binary directly using a hex editor instead of an assembler. Dyer emphasizes the importance of meticulous note-taking in assembly programming due to the lack of self-documenting features found in higher-level languages. He discusses the challenges of managing calling conventions, memory efficiency, and the need for "slack space" in code to accommodate future edits. Dyer also reflects on the trade-offs between efficiency and convenience, opting for a simpler but less memory-efficient method for storing game data. He notes the significance of modularity in programming, suggesting that while extensibility is valuable, it can complicate the development process. Lastly, he highlights the intertwined nature of code and data in low-level programming, sharing humorous anecdotes about bugs that arise from memory mismanagement. His insights provide a comprehensive look at the complexities and learning experiences associated with low-level programming.

- Dyer implemented Sokoban for the Intel 8080 to enhance his understanding of computer architecture.

- He created an emulator capable of running classic games, emphasizing the importance of detailed documentation.

- The project involved trade-offs between memory efficiency and programming convenience.

- Dyer discussed the challenges of modularity and extensibility in low-level programming.

- He shared humorous experiences related to bugs caused by memory mismanagement.