The Code That Grows

What if the most complex behaviors in nature, from slime molds to galaxy formation, could be described in a handful of lines of code? Cellular automatas are systems governed by simple rules that produce complex, beautiful, and alive-looking results.

In this talk, we'll explore a collection of cellular automata live on screen: Conway's Game of Life, reaction-diffusion systems, Langton's Ant, and more. We'll look at the actual rules behind the behavior, spin them up, and watch what happens. Some will surprise you. Some will haunt you a little.

Glenn Jacobsen is a seasoned developer at Sopra Steria in Stavanger, with over 15 years of professional software development experience.

His journey in tech began with the spark of his first code typing out on a Commodore64, a bouncing ball in BASIC2.0 code found i a book rented at the Klepp library in the 1980s, laying the groundwork for a lifelong passion for technology

When he's not coding, Glenn embraces his love for Viking culture often channeling that spirit through his attire and approach while enjoying gaming, hiking, and exploring ancient history.

His unique blend of technical expertise and personal interests brings a distinctive depth to his work and presentations.