A ComputerCraft program to perforate tunnel walls with lit tunnels, in order to expose ores

make_branches.lua

--[[ Branch Miner by dillmo
     ----------------------
     Begin by placing the turtle facing forward two blocks three blocks before
     the next strip. If you have already started, this is at the end of the
     last strip. Next, place torches in slot one of the turtle's inventory and
     cobblestone in the second. Finally, specify your preferences in
     Customization and run the program. The turtle will continue until it
     reaches the end of your main tunnel.
--]]

-- Customization
local side='left' -- Side the turtle mines on; it can be left or right

-- Program
local function turnAround()
  turtle.turnRight()
  turtle.turnRight()
end

print('Starting mining')
turtle.forward()
turtle.forward()
repeat
  turtle.forward()
  if side == 'left' then
    turtle.turnLeft()
  elseif side == 'right' then
    turtle.turnRight()
  else
    print('Error: side not properly specified')
    break
  end
  for i=0, 6 do
    while turtle.detect() do
      turtle.dig()
    end
    turtle.digUp()
    turtle.forward()
    if not turtle.detectDown() then
      turtle.select(2)
      turtle.placeDown()
    end
  end
  turtle.digUp()
  turtle.up()
  turtle.select(1)
  turtle.placeDown()
  turnAround()
  turtle.forward()
  if turtle.detectDown() then
    turtle.digDown()
  end
  turtle.down()
  for i=0, 5 do
    while turtle.detect() do
      turtle.dig()
    end
    turtle.forward()
  end
  if side == 'left' then
    turtle.turnLeft()
  elseif side == 'right' then
    turtle.turnRight()
  else
    print('Error: side not properly specified')
    break
  end
  turtle.forward()
  turtle.forward()
until turtle.detect()
print('Done mining')