Rule Table Repository

A library of the rule tables and related source code for specific cellular automata. In the process we're developing an open file format of variables and transitions to capture the rules of various CA. Utilities for converting to and from these representations are included.

Update 4/29/2024: A much larger and more recently maintained collection of Golly rule tables can now be found on the LifeWiki:

https://conwaylife.com/wiki/List_of_rule_tables_on_LifeWiki

The contents of this repository may still be very useful in some cases, but should not be assumed to be up-to-date.

Contents

• The Rules - the CA rule tables.
• The Format - about the original rule table file format.
• The New All-in-One Format - about the combined .rule format.
• The Roadmap - current and possible future format extensions.
• Using Rule Tables - how to use rule tables, in your own program or elsewhere.
• Submitting New Rules - how to submit new rules, and the guidelines.
• Future Work

Aims

1. To develop and promote an open file format for rule tables.
2. To be the most comprehensive list of CA rule tables.
3. To provide a place for the community to share rule tables.
4. To support Golly, the program that helped create the idea of a standard rule table format.