"TURTLES" : a simple pattern-generating program


LOGO is an interactive computer language designed in 1967 as a learning program for children. LOGO controlled the motions of a mechanical "turtle" so as to draw a path with a pen on a sheet of paper by means of simple 'run' and 'turn' instructions. Subsequent versions drew designs on a monitor.



        1 START (0,0)
        2 GO 10
        3 TURN 90
        4 IF (0,0) THEN GO TO 6
        5               ELSE GO TO 2
        6 STOP 

Four results:
    (a) as written, program generates a convex polygon (square)
    (b) if [2 GO 20] :        a larger square
    (c) if [3 TURN 120] : a triangle
    (d) if [3 TURN 144] : a five-pointed star

TURTLE results


Program and Text material © 2010 by Steven M. Carr