The second generation of the form shown in the infobox is a wing, which is a common induction coil. As a result of this, the block and glider sequence is named "W" in conduit terminology. The nine, another important still life component, is a parent of the form shown in the infobox.
Block and glider is technically a failed puffer, as it reappears thirty-two generations later having been shifted 3 cells right and 7 cells up, but is turned into a B-heptomino another three generations later.
Like other common evolutionary sequences, block and glider can be hassled, such as in the p25 wing and block hassler[note 1] and p128 wing shuttle;[4] the latter is tied for the smallest p128 oscillator by population.
A pattern that enters the block and glider sequence fairly late (click above to open LifeViewer)
Notes
↑An alternative version of this oscillator is shown in jslife with a different method of stabilization.[1]Nicolay Beluchenko found the simpler stabilization with two fumaroles later on.[2] However, it is unknown when or by whom this reaction was found.[3]