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 DRAWand runsGOTO 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
5,5Both 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