[committee] UCC::ProgComp 2011

[Daniel Axtens]

Hi all,

I'm interested in running another programming competition in 2011, and
I'm seeking your permission/approval/support. I realise that the last
progcomp attracted all of 2 entries, but I think that, applying the
lessons learned, UCC can run a much more successful competition this
time around.

=Proposal=
The game takes place on the light-cycle arena from TRON. Your task is
to write a light-cycle driving agent that will be the last bot
standing on the grid.

=Addressing the issues that arose last time=
Armagetron Advanced [1] will be used as a framework for the
competition - it builds/runs on linux, windows and mac; solving the
cross-platform incompatibility issues that plagued the last
competition. It also supports networking, meaning we can isolate
processes, something we ignored when we only had 2 entrants.
Furthermore, the rules are already set and most people 'get' them
without having to have them explained. Armagetron also looks pretty -
at least, it looks pretty relative to the text-based previous
competition.

Additionally, some code/setup from the last competition can be re-used
(e.g. the setup of progcomp.ucc).

I plan to drop MATLAB support, focusing on Python, C and Java - no-one
even enquired about MATLAB support, whereas we had entrants in Python
and C, and people talking about Java. This reduces the workload, which
was a bit too big.

In addition, from running the last competition, I also realised that
it's easier to get UCCans to help if you provide a smorgasbord of
little tasks, rather than open-endedly asking for help. As such, I'll
make better use of Trac and the wiki.

Finally, hopefully running in semester 1 will encourage more people to enter.

=Costs and Benefits to UCC=
UCC would need to provide some prizes. Last year the total outlay was
below $200, and a figure around that level would probably be
sufficient again.

UCC would get to advertise the programming competition as one of 'the
cool things the club does'. It aligns with our aims as a club. The
progcomp is also a great opportunity to advertise to the broader uni,
which is not something UCC does often. Last year progcomp was
advertised in 2 lectures and on posters in Guild; this year can be
even bigger and better!

=Final plug=
Armagetron is also a lot of fun to play, and there's something kind of
cool about the idea of playing against your own creation.

=Conclusion=
Is UCC in favour of running UCC::ProgComp 2011 - Tron?

Best regards,
Daniel Axtens
[DJA]
UCC VP 2010

[1] http://www.armagetronad.net/