Workshop › Rhythm Lanes › Step 15 of 35

Hit the closest note

What we are doing

Which note does a press hit? The closest one in that lane that is not hit yet. We search the list and keep the best candidate so far in closest.

```js
function press(lane) {
  lit[lane] = 8
  let closest = null
  for (const n of notes) {
    if (n.hit || n.lane !== lane) continue
    if (!closest || Math.abs(n.time - frame) < Math.abs(closest.time - frame)) closest = n
  }
  if (!closest) return
  closest.hit = true
}
```

What it means

• closest starts as null, "nothing yet".
• Notes already hit or in another lane are skipped (!== means "not equal").
• Math.abs drops the sign: how far a note's time is from now, early or late.
• A note becomes the new candidate if there is none yet, or if it is closer than the current one.
• If a lane has no notes left, return; otherwise the closest note is hit.

Your turn

In press, under lit[lane] = 8, write the new lines.

Skills: Loops

← Show the keys Close enough in time →

All steps

1. A stage for the notes
2. The first lane
3. Four lanes with a loop
4. The hit line
5. A function that draws
6. The song as text
7. From text to notes
8. The clock decides where
9. Draw the notes
10. A clock that ticks
11. The game loop
12. Lanes that light up
13. Keys for the lanes
14. Show the keys
15. Hit the closest note
16. Close enough in time
17. One press, one hit
18. A message on the screen
19. Say Hit
20. Let the message go
21. Perfect or good
22. Keep count
23. Missed notes
24. Score
25. Hits in a row
26. The multiplier
27. The song ends
28. Stop the clock
29. Accuracy
30. The grade
31. The results
32. Play again
33. Best score
34. Lanes you can tap
35. Build it yourself: a speed setting