Why Would I Want To Scale Up Images And Keep Them Pixelated?

A few days ago I wrote a blog post on how to scale up images and keep them pixelated using Paint.NET. Today, I expand on that a little further, using more images to showcase differences.

First, here are some reasons to keep images pixelated as you resize them:
1. Creating a pixelated/retro game and you would like to scale up one of the images to be an icon that accurately represents the game.
2. Prototyping or creating a MVP.
3. Better compression and/or smaller file sizes. This in turn creates a slightly smaller file for users to download an app/game.
4. Not enough time (or skill) to create a full-fidelity/smooth image. So, you determine that a pixelated and crisp icon looks much better than a large blurry icon. (Screenshots for comparison below)

Initial image. 34x24 pixels.

A "regular" scale up resizing causes image to be blurry. 1000 x 1000 pixels with some margin.

This is how the stretched image looks if I didn't first add the margin for the gem to "grow" into. 1000 x 1000 px.

Using "nearest neighbor" scaling. 1000 x 1000 px.

Now, let's randomly compare image sizes of each of the above four images. Each of them were saved in the same PNG, 32-bit format.
1. 542 bytes
2. 137 KB
3. 174 KB
4. 17.6 KB

The pixelated scaled-up image has about a 10x smaller file size as a regular PNG. Using any more compression techniques, the difference would be even larger.

Though, admittedly, this example is small and simple enough that any modern computer will be able to handle these. A complication would arise more probably in a small embedded system or old phones/processors with bad data connections.

Bonus tip: Instead of choosing the different scaling options in Paint.NET or Photoshop. If you want to create a large pixelated image, the regular Microsoft Paint by default already does that.

~ Danial Goodwin ~

ps - A special thanks goes out to reader Spence for the great blog idea suggestion.

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Arguing Versus Debating

(These two words may be synonyms at a basic level, but can mean two different things.)

It is useless to have two different words mean the exact same thing.

Typically, there are different levels of meaning (i.e., big vs huge vs gargantuan). But, unfortunately, it takes a long time to learn the specific differences/intricacies between all of the words we use. So, in order for us to better communicate our thoughts to one another, I write this post. Here is goes:

I don't like to argue. But, I do like to debate.

If I ever say, "I don't like/want to argue", then this is really what I mean...

Here's my common definitions for "arguing":
- At a rudimentary level, "complaining for the sake of it".
- At a basic level, "explaining, using logical fallacies".
- From a chess perspective, "perfectly symmetrical debating that has stalemated 5+ moves ago (think: KvK)".

Here's my common definitions for "debating":
- At an elementary level, "listing pros and cons"
- At a fundamental level, "two sides taking turns, presenting their ideas to the other. Typically has an outcome."
- From a military/infantry perspective, "arguing in the form of bounding overwatch, where progress is achieved."

If you have any comments about arguing versus debating, then I'd like to hear you in the comments below.

~ Danial Goodwin ~

ps - One reason I like to spend time to write posts is so that:
1. I can better understand myself,
2. Others can better understand me,
3. Others can better understand themselves,
4. Others can better understand each other,
5. And, if there are comments, then I can better understand others. ;]

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Topic: Sleeping

I consider sleeping a hobby.

Some people like to do it more than other and some don't like it all.

Me.

There are sooo many other exciting things I could be doing or learning. Sleep is at the bottom of the list of things that I want to do in my life.

Statistically, people will sleep one-third of their life away. I really would like 20-40 years extra to life the way I choose.

But, I guess science (and my body) says I have to...

For now...

~ Simply Advanced ~

ps - For now, I guess I could also just call it "meditating all night". It is possible to figure out problems and solutions when lying on a bed.

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Being In A Startup Is Just A Means To An End

Here's a great article to read that I saw on Hacker News: http://al3x.net/2013/05/23/letter-to-a-young-programmer.html

Also, http://valleywag.gawker.com/investor-to-kids-a-startup-job-is-the-new-office-job-511011154 does a  great job in writing an article about it.

My main thought is that it is a great line to keep in mind when I am in my own personal startup. I have to remember that having my own startup wasn't the ultimate goal. There is something that I want to do with it.

"A Startup Is Just A Means To An End"

Thanks for the idea: Alex Payne

~ Simply Advanced ~

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