The If Number Is Less Than chip compares the number currently at the top of the stack to a specified value. If the number on the stack is less than the specified value, the ChipWit will execute the next instruction. If the number is equal to or greater than the specified value, the ChipWit will skip the next instruction.
Specifications #
- Argument: Numbers 0-7, Damage Register, Range Register, Fuel Register, Nil (nil represents there is nothing on the Stack)
- Creates a True or False Branch?: Yes, it does create a T/F branch
- Number of Cycles Used: 2
- Fuel: 1
Why the If Number Is Less Than Chip Matters #
- Conditional Decision Making: This chip enables your ChipWit to perform actions based on whether a number meets a specific condition of being smaller than a threshold, which is crucial for dynamic programming and decision-making.
- Stack-Based Comparisons: It works with numbers stored on the stack, allowing you to use previously pushed numbers to guide your ChipWit’s behavior.
- Flexible Control: Useful for scenarios where actions should only be taken when certain numerical criteria are met, such as counters or limits.
How to Use the If Number Is Less Than Chip #
- Push a number onto the stack using the Push Number chip or other stack operations.
- Insert the If Number Is Less Than chip in your program and specify the number you want to compare against (e.g., 7)
- When the ChipWit executes this chip, it checks if the number on the stack is less than the specified value. If it is, the ChipWit will proceed through the True or False branch. If the number is equal to or greater, it will proceed through the True or False branch.
Example of Use #
- Imagine you’re using a counter to track how many pies your ChipWit has collected. You push the current count (e.g., 3) to the stack.
- You use the If Number Is Less Than 5 chip to check if the count is less than 5.
- If the count is indeed less than 5, the ChipWit might proceed to collect more pies. If the count is 5 or more, it might execute a different instruction, like skating to a new area or performing a different task.
The If Number Is Less Than chip allows your ChipWit to make decisions and control actions based on numerical comparisons, adding more complexity and adaptability to your programming.
History #
“If Number Is Less Than” as it appears in various historic incarnations of ChipWits!
COMMODORE 64:
MANUAL:
“A special Operator, Compare Number Less Than, branches (TRUE) if the number on the Number Stack is less than the Number argument.”
APPLE II:
MANUAL:
“COMPARE NUMBER: LESS THAN? commands the ChipWit to examine the value at the top of the Number Stack and compare it to a specified value. If the value in the Number Stack is less than the specified value, the program branches through the COMPARE NUMBER: LESS THAN? chip’s true wire. If the value in the Number stack is greater than or equal to the specified value, the program branches through the COMPARE NUMBER: LESS THAN? chip’s false wire.
The Argument of the COMPARE NUMBER: LESS THAN? chip represents the value you want the ChipWit to compare to the value at the top of the Number Stack. They are the values 0 through 7 (as represented by the beakers), the values from the Fuel and Damage Meters, and the current reading from the Range Finder.”
MAC:
MANUAL:
“COMPARE NUMBER: LESS THAN? commands the ChipWit to examine the value at the top of the Number Stack and compare it to a specified value, if the value in the Number Stack is less than the specified value, the program branches through the true wire Of the COMPARE NUMBER: LESS THAN ? chip. If the value in the Number Stack is greater than or equal to the specified value, the program branches through the false wire of the COMPARE NUMBER: LESS THAN? chip.
The Arguments represent the value you want the ChipWit to compare to the value at the top of the Number stack. They are the values 0 through 7 (as represented by the beakers), the value from the Fuel and Damage Meters, and the current reading from the Range Finder, and the bottom of the Number Stack (represented by the empty square).”
CHIPWITS II (WIN 98):
