PUNCH CARD LAB
How to play & FAQ
Punch. Read. Print. A free browser lab for programming with 80-column, 12-row punch cards.
Three modes
- Typing
- Use the 3D keypunch to type from a manuscript. Choose from five levels, EASY to NIGHTMARE. Work quickly and cheaply for a better rank. Some jobs include interruptions from a cat and colleagues.
- Debugger
- Create cards and execute them with RUN or STEP. Inspect variables and output, reorder cards, or edit holes directly.
- Explore
- Explore a 3D machine room with a keypunch, card reader, line printer and retro PC.
How to play Typing
- Choose Typing on the title screen, sit down and select a difficulty.
- Follow the manuscript using your keyboard or the on-screen keys. Holes cannot be erased. Press REL or Enter to send each card.
- After sending all cards, compare the holes with the manuscript. Repunching uses one new card.
- Choose “Compile these cards” to read, calculate and print. Exceeding the card limit ends the game.
Run your own program
In Debugger, create these three cards and press RUN to print “HELLO WORLD”.
REM MY FIRST DECK PRINT HELLO WORLD END
Use one instruction per card, up to 200 cards and 10,000 instructions. Open “?” at the top of the game for the command guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free?
Yes. The usage fees and invoices shown are fictional. There are no payments or charges.
How do punch cards work?
Punch cards represent characters and instructions with patterns of holes. This lab uses 80-column, 12-row cards, with one instruction per card, executed from top to bottom.
How do I play?
Choose Typing, sit down and select a difficulty. Type the manuscript using letters, numbers and spaces, and send each card with REL or Enter. Review and compile the deck to print the result.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. Tap the 3D keyboard to type. A browser with JavaScript and WebGL is required. Performance varies by device.
Does this emulate FORTRAN or a historical computer?
No. It uses a small original educational language with commands such as PRINT, SET, ADD and GOTO.
Can I save and share cards?
The debugger deck, usage and sound settings are saved in this browser. Shared deck URLs contain the card contents, which recipients can read. Do not put personal information or secrets on cards.
Created by Karou. Updated: .
Enter the machine room →