Alternate Life for Two BASIC source jumps to missing line 800

Author: scottdensmoreCreated Aug 17, 2026Updated Aug 17, 2026

Problem

The original BASIC file at 00_Alternate_Languages/56_Life_for_Two/lifefortwo.bas sends both terminal outcomes to line 800, but that line does not exist:

  • line 574 prints A DRAW and runs GOTO 800
  • line 575 prints the winner and runs GOTO 800
  • the file ends with line 999 END

The main-tree 56_Life_for_Two/lifefortwo.bas uses GOTO 999 for both branches and exits normally.

Reproduction

Run the alternate BASIC source and enter these coordinates:

1,1
3,1
5,1
1,5
3,5
5,5

Both populations become extinct, the program prints A DRAW, and then a conforming interpreter reports an undefined target for line 800.

Suggested fix

Change the two terminal jumps on lines 574 and 575 from GOTO 800 to GOTO 999, matching the main-tree version. This preserves strict undefined-target diagnostics in interpreters while allowing the alternate game to exit normally.

Source: coding-horror/basic-computer-games