so_long

Overview

so_long is a small 2D game written in C using the MLX graphics library. It focuses on fundamentals: window creation, image/sprite loading, event handling, map parsing with flood-fill validation, and collision logic.

Highlights

• Tile-based map with collectibles, exits, and enemies
• Sprite rendering and basic animation
• Flood-fill map validation to ensure solvability
• Deterministic input/event loop with key handling

Technical Details

• Maps are parsed from .ber files; invalid shapes and unreachable goals are rejected
• Player movement is grid-aligned with collision checks
• Textures are loaded via MLX; assets are composed into a single frame each tick
• Memory management and resource cleanup are handled carefully to avoid leaks

Challenges

• Designing a robust parser for variable-sized maps
• Keeping rendering consistent across machines
• Avoiding edge-case crashes during asset loading and teardown

What I Learned

• Practical asset lifecycle management in C
• Foundations of 2D rendering and timing
• Testing strategies for I/O heavy code