The elevator is not working. That would be a nuisance for millions of people living in buildings, but the game Elevator Saga presents it as a challenge aimed at JavaScript programmers. Each level has specific requirements, and the goal is to meet them either by adding or modifying the necessary code.
In the past we have seen some high-level examples like Code Hero, the excellent CodeCombat, the addictive Untrusted and the small TwilioQuest and JSRobot, among others. The first two games focus on learning JavaScript, while in the case of Untrusted a more advanced understanding of the language is required. Why teach writing code using games? The reasons are obvious. Everyone agrees that programming should have a critical place among traditional education methods.
The deficit of programmers is increasingly wide, and the natural complexity of this career causes many to reject it immediately without even taking a second look. Turning a difficult task into a game has the potential to attract the youngest, and refine their skills as they gain knowledge.
The Elevator Puzzle
But Elevator Saga is a bit different. Similar to Untrusted, knowing how to program in JavaScript is not entirely optional. Basically, the problem is an elevator that doesn't work properly. By not visiting all the floors of the building, residents cannot move in a timely manner. The first level requires a basic repair of the elevator that allows it to reach the second floor, and transport fifteen people in 60 seconds or less. As we advance, the building gains more floors, and more people need to move, so the code must increase its efficiency so the elevator doesn't waste time visiting one floor at a time.
My knowledge of JavaScript is practically nil, and this has caused me to get stuck on the second level (total humiliation, I know). According to the Elevator Saga wiki, the total number of levels amounts to 17, and in the last one you already need to manage ten elevators at the same time. The key here is efficiency. If the elevator's journey has too many unnecessary pauses, the clock becomes an enemy. I'll insist once more: Elevator Saga is not designed for novices, but if you think you know enough JavaScript to beat it, what are you waiting for?
https://old.neoteo.com/untrusted-aventuras-con-javascript/
