In this article, the Hamming code is first built with seven coins and without a computer and tested practically. You will learn how test bits can detect errors in a transferred bit sequence and determine the faulty position. The procedure is then programmed in a Jupyter notebook with Python.
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Compressing Data with Smart (Part 2) – Converting Huffman Code in Python
In the first part, the example of KAFFEPAUSE was shown how the Huffman algorithm uses character frequency to create a binary tree and extract space-saving, unique codes from it. The basics are explained in detail in Teil 1 on ffritze.de.
In this second part, the Huffman algorithm is implemented in Python and gradually traced in a Jupyter Notebook. The focus is not only on the finished program. The individual data structures and processing steps are made visible so that the construction of the Huffman tree and the generation of the codes can be tried out directly.
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Compressing Data with Smarts (Part 1) – The Huffman Algorithm Explained Simply
Conventional computer codes give each letter the same storage space - the common 'E' consumes as much as the rare 'K'.
The Huffman algorithm chooses a smarter way: frequent characters get very short codes, rare a little longer. Thus, the amount of data shrinks without any loss of information.
How to create an elegant Huffman tree from character frequencies step by step, let's look directly at the example word: KAFFEPAUSE.
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The Travelling Salesman Problem – A challenge for Scratch-Tinker
Imagine that you are planning a trip through several cities and want to find the shortest route to visit each city exactly once. What at first sounds like a simple task is actually one of the most famous puzzles in computer science: the Travelling Salesman Problem.
But don't worry, you don't have to be a math genius to face this legendary challenge. On the contrary! We grab our colorful blocks in Scratch and show how to solve this complex problem in a playful and creative way.
In this article, we take on the Challenge and tinker together on a solution. Are you ready to show the traveler the most efficient way and dive deep into the world of algorithms? Then let's get started
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From AI to Plot – Motives as Vector Graphics
In this short guide, I'll show you how to create your own motif from a simple text input (Prompt) in a few minutes and use Inkscape – the free open source solution – to use it as a clean, scalable vector graphic (SVG/PDF). We generate the image via AI, transfer it to Inkscape, vectorize the appropriate contours and optimize edges and size - ready for plotters, foil stencils or screen printing.
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Print your own shirt – Screen printing made easy
Print your own shirt – Screen printing made easy. In this post, I'll show you how to bring your own motif to a T-shirt from design to finished printing. Silft printing is a proven printing technique in which paint is painted on the textile by a fine-meshed sie - this creates rich, long-lasting colors and sharp edges. With pre-made screens or a simple foil template (instead of a photo emulsion), you can quickly and without a special lab to make your own shirts — ideal for individual pieces, small series or to try out with the ff logos.
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Clones in Scratch – Many objects, one idea
In Scratch, clones are exact copies of a sprite that can behave independently. They make it possible to create many similar objects (e.g. Enemies, stars or particles) without creating your own sprites multiple times. Clones save time, simplify code, and make projects more powerful — ideal for games, animations, and interactive simulations that require the same elements in large numbers.
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Gemeinsam kreativ – Kollaboratives Arbeiten mit Scratch
In this project we will draw a house with Scratch together, with different pens designing different elements. One pen will paint the house itself, while another pen will add the door. The stage plays a central role by setting the global variables x and y when clicking with the mouse. This information is then sent to the other sprites to work synchronized and cooperatively. Let's get creative together and create our own digital house!
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Binomial coefficient as a marble run – Mathematics to touch
Welcome to "Binomial coefficient as a marble run – Mathematics to touch”! In this article we present an innovative marble run based on the modular system Marble Castle. This special marble run works similarly to a Galtonboard, but the marbles do not fall by chance, but always alternately to the left and right. This results in an exact binomial distribution that vividly illustrates the concept of Pascal's triangle. Immerse yourself in the world of mathematics and discover how playful learning works!
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Marble Castle – Marble run system for self-printing
Experience limitless building fun with Marble Castle, a modular marble run system specially designed for 3D printing. It is ideal for normal glass marbles with a diameter of 12-13 mm and offers countless possibilities to design your own individual route. Perfect for children and adults who enjoy building and trying out!
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