Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Think Python VS TIC-80

Compare Think Python VS TIC-80 and see what are their differences

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Think Python logo Think Python

Learning Resources

TIC-80 logo TIC-80

TIC-80 is a fantasy computer where you can make, play and share tiny games.
  • Think Python Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-24
  • TIC-80 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-20

Think Python features and specs

  • Accessible for Beginners
    Think Python is written in a clear and approachable style, making it suitable for beginners with no prior programming experience. The author takes care to explain concepts thoroughly, making it easy to follow.
  • Practical Examples
    The book is filled with practical examples that demonstrate how to use Python for various applications. This approach helps readers understand real-world usage of the language.
  • Free Availability
    Think Python is openly accessible in digital format for free, making it easy for anyone to read without financial barriers, supporting open education.
  • Emphasis on Problem Solving
    The book places strong emphasis on teaching readers how to think like programmers, encouraging problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

Possible disadvantages of Think Python

  • Limited Depth
    While suitable for beginners, the book doesnโ€™t delve deeply into advanced features of Python, which might leave learners needing additional resources for more complex topics.
  • Pacing
    Some readers might find the pacing of the book too slow, particularly if they have some prior programming experience, as it aims to accommodate complete beginners.
  • Lack of Exercises
    There are fewer exercises compared to some other programming books, potentially providing less practice for readers to reinforce their learning.
  • Outdated Information
    Depending on the edition, some information may be outdated due to the fast-evolving nature of programming languages. Readers may need to verify with more recent sources.

TIC-80 features and specs

  • Portability
    TIC-80 can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even web browsers. This allows for a wide range of accessibility and convenience.
  • Integrated Development Environment
    TIC-80 offers an all-in-one IDE with code editor, sprite editor, map editor, sound and music editors. This integrated environment simplifies the development process by keeping all the necessary tools in one place.
  • Retro Aesthetic
    It provides a nostalgic development experience with its retro-style visual and audio capabilities, appealing to fans of old-school gaming.
  • Free Version Availability
    A free version is available with most features accessible, making it easy for beginners and hobbyists to get started without any initial cost.
  • Community and Resources
    TIC-80 has an active community and a growing number of tutorials and resources, which can be very helpful for new developers to get support and learn new tricks.

Possible disadvantages of TIC-80

  • Limited Resources
    Due to its retro hardware constraints, TIC-80 has limitations on resources such as memory and performance, which can be a restricting factor for more complex or resource-intensive projects.
  • Learning Curve
    While it is beginner-friendly in many aspects, the environment and API have unique characteristics that may require some time and effort to get used to, especially for those unfamiliar with retro-style development.
  • Feature Restrictions in Free Version
    Although a free version exists, it comes with some feature limitations compared to the Pro version, which might be necessary for more advanced projects.
  • Niche Audience
    The focus on retro-style game development may not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for modern development tools or more powerful engines.
  • Limited Market Share
    Compared to more established game development platforms, TIC-80 has a smaller user base and market share, which might limit exposure and collaboration opportunities.

Analysis of TIC-80

Overall verdict

  • TIC-80 is a well-regarded tool for hobbyists and indie game developers looking to create retro-style games. Its simplicity combined with a comprehensive feature set makes it an excellent choice for both learning game development and creating polished projects. If you enjoy the challenge and charm of retro game design, TIC-80 is a great option.

Why this product is good

  • TIC-80 is considered a good fantasy console because it offers a complete suite of development tools within a retro-style environment reminiscent of early gaming consoles. It is particularly appreciated for its ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and active community support. The console provides an 8-bit system with built-in tools for coding, drawing sprites, creating music, and designing levels, making it a perfect choice for developing small games and creative projects. TIC-80 also has a straightforward scripting language (Lua), which is accessible for beginners while still being powerful enough for more experienced developers.

Recommended for

    TIC-80 is ideal for beginners in game development who want to learn in a fun, manageable environment. It's also suitable for experienced developers looking to quickly prototype game ideas or participate in game jams. Fans of retro gaming aesthetics and developers interested in mastering an 8-bit style will find TIC-80 particularly appealing.

Think Python videos

Thoughts on Think Python From a Beginner Programmer

More videos:

TIC-80 videos

RetroArch TIC-80 Core | Let's Play

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Think Python and TIC-80)
Online Learning
100 100%
0% 0
Game Engine
0 0%
100% 100
Development
100 100%
0% 0
Game Development
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Think Python and TIC-80

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TIC-80 Reviews

16 Scratch Alternatives
TIC-80 is an online marketplace based on an open source network through which users can quickly get help regarding building, sharing, and playing numerous games. This platform lets its users get the complete development tools, such as code, maps, sprites, sound editors, command lines, and much more. It can even permit clients to have the cartridge file at the end to easily...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TIC-80 should be more popular than Think Python. It has been mentiond 73 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Think Python mentions (9)

  • C949 help and Jay Wengrow's Guide to Data Structures
    This course actually starts with an introduction to Python. Since you don't have access yet, you can give Think Python a whirl - https://greenteapress.com/wp/think-python/ and for a more interactive experience, I really enjoyed this one - https://scrimba.com/learn/python. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Best place to learn and practice python?
    Start with Think Python or learn x in y..both are free resources and good for basic understanding and practise. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Good places to start learning python?
    This free book taught me Python many years ago https://greenteapress.com/wp/think-python/. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Which books should I read to learn computer science with python language?
    In terms of learning the basics of Python programming, you can get the first edition of Think Python in PDF form for free. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Observations and thoughts from a long time crypto nerd
    Computer Science โ€” For understanding software development. As for a programming language to learn, I recommend Python or Javascript. Try Crash Course's Computer Science videos, the free Think Python book, and/or Part 1 of The Modern JavaScript Tutorial. Source: over 4 years ago
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TIC-80 mentions (73)

  • Why Mini Micro
    Of course there are many others. The most prominent examples being Pico-8 and TIC-80. And these two are fine projects and wonderful things are done with and in them. The difference between them and Mini Micro would be in the terms they use to advertise themselves: console vs computer. - Source: dev.to / 10 months ago
  • RPG in a Box
    You'll probably love [TIC-80](https://tic80.com/). - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Antirez/load81: SDL based Lua programming environment for kids similar to Codea
    And TIC-80 (https://tic80.com/). It can be used with "lua, ruby, js, moon, fennel, scheme, squirrel, wren, wasm, janet or python". - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • X11-Basic (1991-2020)
    Like this maybe? https://tic80.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • The Fennel Programming Language
    You'll always need to deal with a bit of Lua afaik. If you like fantasy consoles, you can use TIC-80[1] to not have to deal with any Lua. [1] https://tic80.com/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Think Python and TIC-80, you can also consider the following products

Google's Python Class - Assorted educational materials provided by Google.

Godot Engine - Feature-packed 2D and 3D open source game engine.

The New Boston video series - Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

LOVE 2D - Hi there! Lร–VE is an *awesome* framework you can use to make 2D games in Lua.

A Byte of Python - A Byte of Python is a Python programming tutorial and learning book that teaches you how to program with the Python programming language.

PICO-8 - Lua-based fantasy console for making and playing tiny, computer games and programs.