CodeWar v0.4 README

This is not an official release of CodeWar.  It is a developer's
release for those working on CodeWar already and those interested in
developing X-Craft for the final release.

CodeWar is essentially a simulation engine which allows multiple processes
to execute simulataneously within the same virtual environment.  This
in turn provides programmers with the facilities to compete against one
another by seeing who can write the program which exists the longest
within this environment.

Less formally, CodeWar allows programmers to create programs (X-Craft
aka robots) which can compete against one another using cannons,
missiles, etc. by executing them at the same time within the CodeWar
simulator.  X-Craft have the ability to detect these other X-Craft and
make up their own stategies to outsmart other programmer's code.

Therefore, CodeWar is a ``robot'' type game, similar in flavour
to programs such Tom Poindexter's CRobots and PCRobots.
Those programmers familiar with these programs will find CodeWar similar
in aspects, but quickly realise that CodeWar allows competant programmers
more facilities to extend themselves and their X-Craft.  The design
goal was not to hold the hand of competing programmers, rather, to
provide an accurate simulation engine, and allow the programmers to do
the rest.

All process communication is provided through TCP/IP sockets to the
central CodeWar server.  This means that competing X-Craft do not need to
even be running on the host machine in which the simulation is being
run, with the added bonus that X-Craft can be made submitted for 
competition as binaries only, not giving away strategies once submitted.

Please note:  This release is a developer's release. Some of the global
system parameters, (such as weapon numbers and types) will be reduced in the
final release...this is not designed to be a slaughter simulator.

Any competant programs interested in aiding in development of X-Craft
should contact me at rdj@cea.com.au or anyone interested in setting up
an official CodeWar homepage.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Pete Glasscock for fixing of the binding error when the port is
still in TIME_WAIT.


Rhett D. Jacobs
rdj@cea.com.au
