writeup

Author: msokolov

README.md

@@ -2,3 +2,39 @@ cutfold
 =======
 
 virtual paper cut and fold snowflake simulation
+
+## history
+
+This little exercise in interactive geometry was started as a flash "movie"
+written in ActionScript in 2002. But flash was really designed for
+animating sprites, and not for handling scripted primitive drawing commands
+(lines and polygons).  So the java applet version was born, and development
+on that continued for a couple of years, during which time many features
+got added, including a gallery where you could save snowflakes for others
+to see, and even download a pdf version of your snowflake.
+
+Over the years, applet technology has become even less widespread and more
+finicky, and we finally have a decent alternative to applets for
+interactive animation on the web: html5 canvas. So now in 2013 it seemed
+maybe the time had come to rejuvenate cutfold. The current incarnation is a
+port to javascript and canvas.
+
+The basics (folding) is now working, but there is still some work needed to
+wire up cut and unfold.
+
+## how to use
+
+  You can *fold* the paper by (clicking fold and) dragging a line segment
+across it. Then clicking on one side or the other of your fold will push
+that side down, executing the fold.
+
+  You can *cut* the paper by (clicking cut and) drawing a series of
+connected lines by repeatedly clicking and moving the mouse; the cutting is
+finalized with a *double-click* (or by crossing your own cutting
+line).
+
+  You can *discard* pieces of paper.  Be careful where you click: There is
+only one level of undo.
+
+  You can *unfold* - this unfolds the most recent fold, and can be repeated until the paper is completely flat.
+