Web-based Word Search Generator.
A baby shower is currently taking place in my house, just down the hall. While Kara and Mom were setting it up, they asked me to put together a Word Jumble that people at the shower could do. My first thought was, “How fast could I build one? I’d have to figure out how to arrange the words, but I could do it in JavaScript to make it easy enough to print.” By this point, I’d totally miss the concept of a word jumble and was on to a Word Search. After realizing I’d have to spend more time than 20 minutes on the code, I decided there had to be a Web-based and/or Open Source solution already available. I spent a bit of time searching for “open source word jumble generator”, but that was just turning up freeware that was… less than optimal. I change my terms and was treated to a site titled, “Make your own word search puzzle“. Not only did the site reference Tux, but it allowed you to enter in a bunch of your own terms, specify color and fonts, and get both a printable version and answer key in both HTML and PDF. The HTML source isn’t going to win any Semantic awards, but it was easy enough to manipulate and print.
Plus, I emailed the person that made it to say, “Thanks”, and he responded within minutes. Ah, the glory of the InterTubalWebs.
Update: No, the baby shower was not for Kara and me, it was for Christian and Amy Crockford.