Each generation, every point in the universe is examined. A new point is born on any empty point that has exactly 3 living neighbors. Neighbors are directly adjacent points on the horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. In a later version of this program, these rules will be somewhat modifiable by the user. What makes Life so interesting is that a very simple figure can produce startling or beautiful patterns.
Most figures eventually degenerate to a steady state in which certain patterns repeat infinitely.
This figure simply blinks between the horizontal and vertical. The end points die of loneliness, while new entities are born adjacent to the midpoint, because they each have 3 neighbors. This creates a pattern called Traffic Lights after 6 Lights generations. Lightweight speed of light. Starts the Life figure going, and proceeds until interrupted from the keyboard, or the figure becomes static.