lako v1.0.0

Lako (easy)

Summary

A lightweight game engine for learning to write code.

Getting Started

1. Install NodeJS and npm https://nodejs.org/en/ (use the link labeled "Recommended for most users")

2. Download the "Lako" repository from https://github.com/danchimento/lako (use the "Clone or Download" button and choose "Download ZIP")

3. Copy the "Lako.exe" file from the build directory to wherever you want to generate projects. ("C:\projects" is recommended)

4. Run the "Lako.exe" file.

5. Enter any name for the project and press "Enter". A new directory will be created next to the Lako.exe file with your project files.

6. Open the directory that was created in step 5.

7. Run the "Start.exe" application.

Building the game

To make changes to the game, open the "game.js" file.

The first two lines should not be changed:

"use strict";
import game from './lib/index.js';

• "use strict" enforces correct javascript syntax. While this isn't necessary for the application to run it helps reinforce good programming habits.

• The "import" adds helpful code that makes game development easier.

Adding game elements

The following code can be used to add a rectangle to the game.

var myRectangle = game.addRectangle();

Once the rectangle exists you can change the properties of the rectangle.

myRectangle.left = 100;
myRectangle.top = 300;
myRectangle.backgroundColor = "green";

Shapes

var myRectangle = game.addRectangle();
var myCircle = game.addCircle();

myRectangle.width = 100;
myRectangle.height = 200;
myRectangle.backgroundColor = "brown";

Text

var label = game.addLabel();
label.text = "Hello World!";
label.fontSize = 15;
label.textColor = "red";

Image

var marioImage = game.addImage();
marioImage.source = "mario.png"

Button

var rectangle = game.addRectangle();
var moveRightButton = game.addButton();

moveRightButton.click = function() {
    rectangle.left = rectangle.left + 5;
}

Keyboard

https://keycode.info/

var circle = game.addCircle();

function downArrowPress() {
    circle.top = circle.top + 10;
}

game.keyDown(40, downArrowPress);

Timer

var gameOverText = game.addText();
gameOverText.text = "Game Over";
gameOverText.visible = false;

var timer = game.addTimer();
timer.delay = 10000;
timer.repeat = false;
timer.tick = function() {
    gameOverText.visible = true;
}

timer.start();

Element Properties

The following properties are available to game elements.