The shape-block method - blocks move along grid

Step 1

Type in the following code and run it:

clear()
setBackground(white)
setSpeed(superFast)
setPenColor(cm.gray)

val nx = 20
val ny = 20
val cb = canvasBounds
val dx = cb.width / nx
val dy = cb.height / ny

def shape() {
    savePosHe()
    right(random(-5, 5))
    val len = dy / 2 + randomDouble(dx)
    repeat(4) {
        forward(len)
        right(90)
    }
    restorePosHe()
}

def posx(gx: Int) = cb.x + gx * dx
def posy(gy: Int) = cb.y + gy * dy

def block(gx: Int, gy: Int) {
    setPosition(posx(gx), posy(gy))
    setFillColor(randomColor.fadeOut(0.2))
    shape()
}

repeatFor(0 until nx) { x =>
    repeatFor(0 until ny) { y =>
        block(x, y)
    }
}

Q1a In the above design, what’s the shape?

Q1b In the above design, what’s the block? Why does the block command take two inputs?

Q1c How many times is the block repeated to make the above design?

Q1d Are posx and posy commands or functions? What do they do? How are they used?

Explanation

Here’s how designs are made using this method:

• You define a shape.
• You define a block.
  • The block calls the shape, picks the pen up, moves the turtle along a grid, and then puts the pen down, to be ready to make the next shape.
• You repeat the block the desired number of times to make the pattern.

Exercise

Use the above idea to make a design.