ELF Files

Sifteo games are stored as ".elf" files which stands for "Executable and Linking Format". The elf file contains all the information to run a game including code, level data, art, and sound. When you install your game to a Sifteo device or run it in the Siftulator it is loading the elf file.

Elf files are stored in your Wildflower's "source" folder. There are two different versions of the ELF file that will be created whenever you select "Siftulator Test" or "Sifteo Install" from the [Menu Bar].

• Wildflower.elf - This is the elf file that is used to run in the Siftulator. The controls in the Siftulator work slightly different then the Sifteo controls because you must tilt to jump rather then touching the screen. It is set up to start up instantly rather then using proper asset loading. Also it is built in debug mode so there can be prints from the engine to help users understand what is going on.
• WildflowerSifteo.elf - This is a special version of the elf designed to be installed to Sifteo Cubes. It is built in release mode so it will run slightly faster. It is also configured for proper asset loading and begins at the start screen.

Running ELFs with persistent save data

Users can also run the Siftulator via the command line with an added parameter to store persistent flash memory. This will allow you to have persistent saves between sessions.

siftulator.exe "Wildflower.elf" -F "save.bin"

When you use this technique a "save.bin" file will be created. If you make changes to your game that you want to start a new save with then you must delete the .bin file to create a new save game. I recommend you first create an empty folder and copy siftulator.exe and your elf file to it. You can find siftulator.exe in Wildflower's "SifteoSDK/bin" folder or you can download the official Sifteo SDK from the Sifteo Developer Website..

You can also create a bat file to make it easier to run your game without using the Wildflower editor. This example bat file is also customized to log console prints to a separate file and start in a HD resolution window.

@echo off
echo Starting Wildflower...
siftulator.exe "Wildflower.elf" -F "save.bin" --stdout "log.txt" --window 1280x720