Workshop › Breakout › Step 23 of 39

Launch the ball

What we are doing

launch() sends the waiting ball off: the state becomes 'playing' and the ball gets its velocity. It only works while serving.

```js
function launch() {
  if (state !== 'serve') return
  state = 'playing'
  ball.vx = 3
  ball.vy = -4
}
```

What it means

• !== means "is not equal". If we are not serving, return leaves at once and nothing happens.
• Otherwise the state becomes 'playing' and the ball gets the velocity it used to start with.

Your turn

Leave an empty line under resetBall and write launch.

Skills: Game states

← Ride along with the paddle Click or press Space →

All steps

1. The field and the paddle
2. Draw again and again
3. Keep a number inside limits
4. Follow the mouse
5. A canvas shown at another size
6. A ball with a velocity
7. Draw a round ball
8. Move the ball
9. Bounce off the side walls
10. Bounce off the ceiling
11. The open floor
12. Bounce off the paddle
13. Aim with the paddle
14. A row of bricks
15. Draw the bricks
16. A whole wall: a loop inside a loop
17. A color for every row
18. Circle meets box
19. Break a brick
20. Hitting the side of a brick
21. Wait on the paddle
22. Ride along with the paddle
23. Launch the ball
24. Click or press Space
25. Remember which keys are held
26. Steer with the arrow keys
27. Three lives
28. Lives and a hint on screen
29. Game over
30. Keep score
31. Show the score
32. Win the game
33. One function for a new game
34. Play again
35. A burst of particles
36. Break into sparks
37. Move, fall and disappear
38. Fade out
39. Build it yourself: tough bricks