Learn PICO8-LUA with Real Code Examples

Moving a player sprite with arrow keys

Animating sprite frames

Playing a sound effect on collision

Creating a scrolling map

Building a simple enemy AI

Check sprite coordinates and bounds

Ensure game loop updates correctly

Validate input functions and key mappings

Monitor memory usage via PICO-8 console

Debug logic using `print()` statements

Run cartridge repeatedly in simulator

Check for frame rate and responsiveness

Test input handling for all keys/buttons

Verify sprite collisions and physics logic

Ensure music and SFX play correctly

Save as `.p8` or `.p8.png` cartridge

Export to HTML5 for web play

Share cartridge with community

Bundle for Windows, Mac, or Linux

Include in PICO-8 jam submissions

Built-in code editor and console

Sprite, map, and sound/music editors

Export tools for `.p8` and `.p8.png` cartridges

Lua API reference within PICO-8

Community-made tools for asset conversion and sharing

Keyboard and gamepad input

Sprites and tile maps

Sound and music playback

Persistent memory for save states

Web export for browser play

Use built-in editors efficiently

Organize code into reusable functions

Test often within the simulator

Leverage community tools for asset creation

Document and comment code for clarity

Create a moving character on screen

Implement collectible items

Build a simple top-down shooter

Animate enemy patterns

Optimize code to stay within token/memory limits