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2012-11-21 23:01:48
66 votes, rating 6
66 votes, rating 6
FFB moving to HTML5 and beyond
It's been a while since the last update on FFB development, so I wanted to share a bit of what's going on "behind the scenes".
I am currently in the process of changing the communication between client and server to use JSON (for message data) and Websockets (for communication). With this I am taking a first step towards implementing an HTML5 client for FFB.
Moving the client from Java to JavaScript is a major undertaking and probably won't see the light of day before the end of 2013. So why do it at all? Why have another client in another technology doing basically the same thing?
One aspect is that it will run on more (and newer) platforms such as tablets. Basically everywhere you have an HTML5 compatible browser on.
Second is that we (Christer, WhatBall and me) have been talking about making a SCALABLE client for a while now. This means moving from bitmaps to a vector-based graphics. Using SVG and running in the browser would be well suited for that.
And last but not least: this project has to me always been about learning new things. A change from writing enterprise software and tackling customer project problems in the day-job. And HTML5/Canvas/WebApps is interesting stuff...
And that's not all.
When moving over to JavaScript I'll open up and simplify the API (the programming interface) in a way that allows YOU to extend it. The goal here is an idea that's been floating around for a while: being able to implement Computer-players (Knowbots, AI) to play against. So with help from the community FFB will get a single player mode after all.
But hey, that's a bit out there, so don't get too excited yet :-)
In the meantime (as always): go play!
I am currently in the process of changing the communication between client and server to use JSON (for message data) and Websockets (for communication). With this I am taking a first step towards implementing an HTML5 client for FFB.
Moving the client from Java to JavaScript is a major undertaking and probably won't see the light of day before the end of 2013. So why do it at all? Why have another client in another technology doing basically the same thing?
One aspect is that it will run on more (and newer) platforms such as tablets. Basically everywhere you have an HTML5 compatible browser on.
Second is that we (Christer, WhatBall and me) have been talking about making a SCALABLE client for a while now. This means moving from bitmaps to a vector-based graphics. Using SVG and running in the browser would be well suited for that.
And last but not least: this project has to me always been about learning new things. A change from writing enterprise software and tackling customer project problems in the day-job. And HTML5/Canvas/WebApps is interesting stuff...
And that's not all.
When moving over to JavaScript I'll open up and simplify the API (the programming interface) in a way that allows YOU to extend it. The goal here is an idea that's been floating around for a while: being able to implement Computer-players (Knowbots, AI) to play against. So with help from the community FFB will get a single player mode after all.
But hey, that's a bit out there, so don't get too excited yet :-)
In the meantime (as always): go play!
Comments
Posted by blader4411 on 2012-11-21 23:09:52
:O
CELESTIA YES!
iPad FUMBBL a future possibility? Awesome!
Thanks for all the work you put into this site :)
CELESTIA YES!
iPad FUMBBL a future possibility? Awesome!
Thanks for all the work you put into this site :)
Posted by robocoyote on 2012-11-21 23:10:13
awesome you guys. You guys and the Leagues around here always keep me coming back
Posted by Garion on 2012-11-21 23:14:24
Amazing, not that I have a tablet, but this is a great thing for the future of the site.
Out of interest will you continue to iron out the few remaining bugs in the mean time or will that be put on the shelf for now while you look at this latest project?
Out of interest will you continue to iron out the few remaining bugs in the mean time or will that be put on the shelf for now while you look at this latest project?
Posted by Kalimar on 2012-11-21 23:17:17
Of course I will. Just need to do some new stuff from time to time for a change ;-)
Posted by stej on 2012-11-21 23:18:05
And dont forget dungeon bowl!
This all sounds remarkable chaps. Keep up the good work!
This all sounds remarkable chaps. Keep up the good work!
Posted by disperse on 2012-11-21 23:26:06
This is great news!
I just blogged that it would be great to have Tablet / Phone support for the FUMBBL client (I'm not sure how well FUMBBL would translate on a 4 inch display).
In addition I brought up how it would be nice to be able to have asynchronous play (a turn at a time throughout the day):
http://fumbbl.com/p/blog&coach=114573&id=12195
I'd imagine being able to visit an HTML5 app on your home PC, work PC, tablet, etc. would make this much more viable.
I just blogged that it would be great to have Tablet / Phone support for the FUMBBL client (I'm not sure how well FUMBBL would translate on a 4 inch display).
In addition I brought up how it would be nice to be able to have asynchronous play (a turn at a time throughout the day):
http://fumbbl.com/p/blog&coach=114573&id=12195
I'd imagine being able to visit an HTML5 app on your home PC, work PC, tablet, etc. would make this much more viable.
Posted by Garion on 2012-11-21 23:26:08
If you want a really really quick project, make street bowl. Almost exactly the same as the current client with a different pitch.
It is the best version of BB 7s and if you are interested send me a PM i will give you a link to the rules etc...
It would be a great edition to the site for league play.
It is the best version of BB 7s and if you are interested send me a PM i will give you a link to the rules etc...
It would be a great edition to the site for league play.
Posted by Purplegoo on 2012-11-21 23:26:29
\o/
Posted by SvenS on 2012-11-21 23:35:16
Love you! :D
Posted by Dalfort on 2012-11-21 23:37:30
yet again unable to rate above 6 :) please add my thanks too.
Posted by blader4411 on 2012-11-21 23:53:51
@Disperse: Look at a random green patch on either side of the FUMBBL site. That's what it would look like on a 4" display :P
A tablet would be feasible, but I can't see any way to fit a full pitch onto a phone whilst still being able to see the individual players.
A tablet would be feasible, but I can't see any way to fit a full pitch onto a phone whilst still being able to see the individual players.
Posted by Elliott_the_Lame on 2012-11-22 00:20:43
I understand that I'm beating a dead horse about this, but will we also have to wait until the end of 2013 for the ability to field our teams in custom kits we design to be worked back into the program?
Posted by Hitonagashi on 2012-11-22 00:27:35
Wow Kalimar.
I'd started this a few times, and played around with methods, but if you are actually doing it, that's it, I quit :D.
Great news!
I'd started this a few times, and played around with methods, but if you are actually doing it, that's it, I quit :D.
Great news!
Posted by Irgy on 2012-11-22 00:29:12
I saw 21 votes rating 6 and thought "Sheesh, Kalimar always gets solid 6s on his blogs. I agree he deserves them, but how do I tell if it's a good Kalimar blog or a dull one?". Then I read the blog and nearly cried that there wasn't a 7. Yes, please keep doing the things that you're doing.
Posted by Overhamsteren on 2012-11-22 01:45:46
What the hell is a dull Kalimar blog? :P
Posted by WhatBall on 2012-11-22 02:40:28
Awesome news. I know you mentioned this in passing to me before, but it seems much more real in a blog. \o/
Posted by Randy_Moss on 2012-11-22 02:56:05
Dorkboner
Posted by koadah on 2012-11-22 07:36:43
Great stuff, I've been thinking about this myself.
Poor old java :(
Ah, for more time.
Poor old java :(
Ah, for more time.
Posted by Kalimar on 2012-11-22 07:52:58
@koadah: the FFB server (the part u don't see, but that's actually the most important one) remains in Java. So it's more a "you'll get a baby brother" thing ;-)
Posted by koadah on 2012-11-22 08:39:08
Sure, but we're losing the "run anywhere (with a bit of grief)".
A dear old friend starting to show her age?
A dear old friend starting to show her age?
Posted by Grod on 2012-11-22 09:27:06
Awesome I can't wait to port the GrodBot across! :)
Posted by BlizzBirne on 2012-11-22 09:39:16
quite some software company can take fumbbl as a positive example about how to execute customer centricity. this of course also goes for Kalimar and the client.
rated 12, a 6 for each.
rated 12, a 6 for each.
Posted by Shraaaag on 2012-11-22 09:55:04
Great idea :)
Posted by Kalimar on 2012-11-22 11:29:12
@Grod: I told you it would be coming eventually. I just ain't quick enough for you ;-)
Posted by The_Murker on 2012-11-22 17:29:07
It's Christer's site, and he deserves every ounce of praise and every donation he gets, but I wish there was something lunk-heads like myself could do to support your efforts and show our appreciation. (without detracting from site support)
A thank-you is always a good place to start. Thanks very much for all of the time you 'donate' to us. Cheers.
A thank-you is always a good place to start. Thanks very much for all of the time you 'donate' to us. Cheers.
Posted by PigStar-69 on 2012-11-22 20:12:18
rated 1 for total bollocks ! dang i missclicked the 6 ;-D