LifeGrid

LifeGrid is an extensible cellular automaton simulator featuring a graphical user interface, robust pattern management, and a plugin system. Built with Python and Tkinter, it offers a rich environment for exploring Conway's Game of Life and many other automata variations.

Table of Contents

• About
• Features
• Installation
• Quick Start
• Documentation
• Contributing
• License

About

LifeGrid provides a powerful platform for simulating, analyzing, and visualizing cellular automata. Whether you are a student exploring emergence, a researcher testing new rules, or a hobbyist creating intricate patterns, LifeGrid offers the tools you need.

Features

• Multiple Automata Modes:
  • Conway's Game of Life
  • HighLife
  • Immigration Game
  • Rainbow Game
  • Brian's Brain
  • Wireworld
  • Langton's Ant
  • Custom Rule Support (B/S notation)
• Interactive GUI:
  • Drawing tools (Pen, Eraser, Toggle)
  • Symmetry modes (Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal, Point)
  • Zoom and Pan controls
  • Real-time speed adjustment
• Pattern Management:
  • Built-in library of diverse patterns
  • Load/Save functionality (supports RLE and JSON)
  • Pattern Browser with previews
• Advanced Capabilities:
  • Undo/Redo history
  • Statistics tracking (Population, Density, Births/Deaths)
  • Export to Image (PNG) or Animation (GIF)
  • Plugin system for extensions

Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.11 or higher
• Git (optional, for cloning)

Steps

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/James-HoneyBadger/LifeGrid.git
   cd LifeGrid

2. Create and activate a virtual environment (recommended):

   python -m venv venv
   source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate

3. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Quick Start

Running the GUI Application

To launch the main simulator interface:

python src/main.py

Using as a Library

LifeGrid's core can be used in your own scripts for headless simulation:

from src.core.simulator import Simulator
from src.core.config import SimulatorConfig

# Initialize simulator
config = SimulatorConfig(width=100, height=100)
sim = Simulator(config)

# Setup a pattern (e.g., a Glider)
sim.initialize(mode='conway', pattern='glider')

# Run for 100 generations
for _ in range(100):
    stats = sim.step()
    print(f"Gen {stats[0]['generation']}: Pop {stats[0]['population']}")

Documentation

Full documentation is available in the docs/ directory.

• User Guide: Detailed instructions on using the GUI and features.
• Installation Guide: Comprehensive installation options.
• API Reference: Technical specifics for developers.
• Pattern Formats: Understanding supported file types.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Copyright (c) 2026 Honey Badger Universe