This sounded super-interesting: a new version of the interactive fiction maker, Inform 7, is out.

As Mike Sugarbaker says, this new version is all about programming through natural language. A typical entry (this from my first try-out, an exciting scenario set in a bathroom) might be:

The bathroom is a room. The description of the bathroom is "The bathroom is lit with harsh white halogen bulbs. Far from being a restful and relaxing place, this bathroom is clinical and hard-edged. You glance at your reflection in the mirror. Every imperfection in your skin is obvious. You want to leave."

The chrome tap is in the bathroom. The description of the chrome tap is "The chrome tap shines in the bright light. But though it is otherwise flawless, the lever to control the flow of water has sheered off and is nowhere to be seen. It doesnt look like it will dispense any water." Instead of taking the chrome tap, say "It's firmly attached."

That’s all very simple – but even more complex stuff is very coherent, even to complete strangers to programming, like me.

Click the Go button, and you’re immediately in (provided there are no errors…). That bit above translates into this:

bathroom The bathroom is lit with harsh white halogen bulbs. Far from being a restful and relaxing place, this bathroom is clinical and hard-edged. You glance at your reflection in the mirror. Every imperfection in your skin is obvious. You want to leave.

You can see a chrome tap here.

take tap

It’s firmly attached.

After a couple of hours fiddling, the only problem I’ve found is that it rather lulls you into a false sense of security – I kept finding myself writing lines in complete, normal English. It’s just a matter of learning, though, and besides, it’s wonderful that a programming language encourages such natural experimentation.

The Inform 7 interface is great, too. Incredibly clear, and as far from the technicalities of programming as you can get. So all you’re left with is the challenge of logic – creating logical sentences to create logical scenarios. All though natural language.

So, in short, it’s amazing. In the words of Neil Buchanan, try it yourself.