[pbmserv-dev] Re: The debate over graphics

[Kevin Walker <kwalker@xmission.com>]

Hi.

I just subscribed to this pbmserv-dev list (I didn't know it existed 
until today), so I hope this message isn't re-covering old ground.

I agree with Leonid that it would be very valuable to have 
third-party graphical client programs send pbem game moves.  One 
thing that would facilitate this is if there were a method other than 
email to communicate with the pbem server.  Here's an idea I sent to 
the pbmserv-users list (I guess I should have sent it here).  Richard 
(or others) -- is the following feasible?

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(1) Extend PBeM to accept commands (and emit responses) via HTTP/CGI, 
telnet, or some other socket-based protocol.  For example, PBeM 
receives an HTTP request for the URL 
"http://www.gamerz.net/http_interface.cgi?command=twixt%20move%20
341%20kwalker%20my_password%20o9", PBeM does its usual routine for 
the command "twixt move 341 kwalker my_password o9", then sends back 
a "web page" (text/plain, not text/html) which is identical to what 
it would send in the body of an email message in response to that 
command.  Why would this be a Good Thing?  Because then others could 
write graphical client interfaces in their favorite language to make 
and receive PBeM moves for their favorite PBeM games.  Here's what 
the client would have to do when making a move: (a) interpret a mouse 
click as a game move, (b) construct the PBeM command (e.g. "twixt 
move 341 kwalker my_password o9", if I clicked at o9), (c) send an 
HTTP request as above, (d) receive the HTTP response, and (e) parse 
it too see whether the move was accepted.  To receive an opponent's 
move, the client would have to poll PBeM to see whether a move had 
been made on that board.

Advantages of crazy idea number (1): (a) very little work needs to be 
done on the PBeM server end -- the commands and responses are 
identical to what's already being sent/received via email; (b) 
flexible, open framework -- people could write clients in the 
language of their choice, for the games of their choice.

(1a) With a little extra work, PBeM could send a reply that is more 
easily machine readable (instead of the current text board 
representation plus recent move list).  This would save client 
authors the trouble of constructing complicated regexes to parse the 
boards.

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Kevin Walker