10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10

“10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10” is a book that explores the intricacies and aesthetics of a single line of code. The code, written in the BASIC programming language, generates a random maze-like pattern on the screen.

The book delves into the history of the code, tracing its origins back to the Commodore 64 and other home computers of the 1980s. It also examines the code’s aesthetic qualities, including its simplicity, elegance, and the unexpected beauty that emerges from its random patterns.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the code provides a window into the world of programming and computer science. The book discusses the concepts and techniques used in the code, such as random number generation, loops, and character encoding.

The book also explores the cultural impact of the code, including its use in various forms of media, such as video games, digital art, and music. It highlights the ways in which the code has inspired other artists and programmers, and how it continues to be relevant and inspiring in today’s digital world.

The book features contributions from a diverse group of experts, including computer scientists, historians, artists, and musicians. Through their insights and perspectives, the book provides a unique and in-depth look at this one line of code and its significance.

“10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10” is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and technology, and the impact of code on our lives and culture. It is an engaging and thought-provoking examination of one of the most influential pieces of code in the history of computing.

Nick Montfort, Patsy Baudoin, John Bell, Ian Bogost, Jeremy Douglass, Mark C. Marino, Michael Mateas, Casey Reas, Mark Sample, Noah Vawter