[committee] UCC::ProgComp 2011

[James French]

Yes definitely run it again, although at a better time of the year
(early in the semesters, over a study break or over midyear break
would all be good). Alternatively, have a dedicated progcomp night(s)
in the loft similar to a LAN but with people working on their entries
- or do both.

F.

On 6 January 2011 09:56, Daniel Axtens <danielax at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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/
>
>