How to Create a Checkers Game from Scratch in C

In this guide, we'll embark on a journey to create a checkers (draughts) game using the C programming language. This project is not only an exciting endeavor but also a great opportunity to enhance your programming skills. We'll take you through the entire process, from understanding the fundamental components to implementing the necessary logic for developing your own console-based checkers game.

Checkers, a classic two-player board game, is known for its strategic depth and engaging gameplay. By the end of this guide, you'll have the satisfaction of building your very own digital checkers board, complete with the rules, moves, and user interface for a delightful gaming experience. Let's dive into the world of programming and start creating our checkers game!

Building a Checkers Game in C

Explore the fascinating world of C programming as you embark on the journey of building a checkers game from scratch in C. Whether you're a budding programmer or an experienced developer, this project offers valuable insights into game development and C programming. We're here to help you with your C assignment, providing expert guidance and support throughout your programming endeavors. Join us on this exciting learning adventure, and dive into the intricacies of game design while honing your C programming skills. With our comprehensive resources and assistance, you'll be well-equipped to create your own checkers masterpiece.

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have a basic understanding of C programming concepts, including data structures, functions, and conditional statements. You'll also need a C development environment set up on your computer, which could be a text editor, a C compiler, and a terminal for running your programs.

Sample Code Structure

To get you started, we'll provide an overview of the structure of a checkers game in C. The following code structure represents the key building blocks of a basic checkers game program:

Block 1: Main Function

```cpp #include "Checkers.h" #include "TestCode.h" #include int main() { // Uncomment line below to run automatic input/output checks // TestCode::runSelectedTest(); // Uncomment line below to play checkers game Checkers::playCheckers(); // Uncomment test function calls below for manual testing // TestCode::testRedCheckers(false); //output(01) // TestCode::testBlackCheckers(false); //output(02) // TestCode::testRedCheckers(true); //output(03) // TestCode::testBlackCheckers(true); //output(04) // TestCode::testRedCrown(); //output(05) // TestCode::testBlackCrown(); //output(06) // TestCode::testRedDoubleJump(false); //output(07) optional // TestCode::testRedDoubleJump(true); //output(08) optional // TestCode::testBlackDoubleJump(false); //output(09) optional // TestCode::testBlackDoubleJump(true); //output(10) optional // TestCode::testRedMultipleJump(); //output(11) optional // TestCode::testBlackMultipleJump(); //output(12) optional // TestCode::testInsertionOperatorOverload(); //output(13) // TestCode::testExtractionOperatorOverload(); //output(14) } ```

The main function serves as the entry point for your program and allows you to run tests, play the checkers game, or manually test specific functions.

Block 2: Create Checkers Board

```cpp void Checkers::createBoard() { for (int i = 0; i < 8; i++) { for (int j = 0; j < 8; j++) { checkersBoard[i][j].setFile('a' + j); checkersBoard[i][j].setRank(1 + i); checkersBoard[i][j].setColor((((i + j) % 2) == 0) ? ' ':'.'); } } numCapturedRedPieces = 0; numCapturedBlackPieces = 0; Square s; for (int i = 0; i < 12; i++) { capturedRedPieces[i] = s; capturedBlackPieces[i] = s; } } ```

This block initializes the checkers board with squares, ranks, files, and colors. It also sets up data structures to keep track of captured pieces.

Block 3: Print Checkers Board

```cpp void Checkers::printBoard() { const std::string WHITE_ROW_SPACER = " |..... ..... ..... ..... | "; const std::string BLACK_ROW_SPACER = " | ..... ..... ..... .....| "; const std::string FILE_LABLES = " a b c d e f g h "; const std::string BORDER = " +---+-----+---+-----+---+-----+---+-----+"; // Print all red captured pieces std::cout << "Captured: "; for (int i = 0; i < 12; i++) { if (capturedRedPieces[i].isOccupied()) { std::cout << capturedRedPieces[i] << " "; } } std::cout << std::endl << std::endl; // Print file labels and gameboard border std::cout << FILE_LABLES << std::endl << BORDER << std::endl; // Print rows/ranks two at a time (since they alternate starting with black and white squares), higher ranks/rows on top for (int rank = 7; rank >= 0; rank -= 2) { std::cout << WHITE_ROW_SPACER << std::endl; std::cout << rank + 1 << "|"; // Print files/columns for row starting with white, two at a time (since they alternate between black and white squares) for (int file = 0; file < 8; file += 2) { // Print white square std::cout << ".." << (checkersBoard[rank][file]) << ".."; // Print black square std::cout << " " << (checkersBoard[rank][file + 1]) << " "; } std::cout << "|" << rank + 1 << std::endl << WHITE_ROW_SPACER << std::endl; std::cout << BLACK_ROW_SPACER << std::endl; std::cout << rank << "|"; // Print files/columns for row starting with black, two at a time (since they alternate between black and white squares) for (int file = 0; file < 8; file += 2) { // Print black square std::cout << " " << (checkersBoard[rank - 1][file]) << " "; // Print white square std::cout << ".." << (checkersBoard[rank - 1][file + 1]) << ".."; } std::cout << "|" << rank << std::endl << BLACK_ROW_SPACER << std::endl; } // Print bottom labels and border std::cout << BORDER << std::endl << FILE_LABLES << std::endl; // Print all black captured pieces std::cout << std::endl; std::cout << "Captured: "; for (int i = 0; i < 12; i++) { if (capturedBlackPieces[i].isOccupied()) { std::cout << capturedBlackPieces[i] << " "; } } std::cout << std::endl << std::endl; } ```

The `printBoard` function is responsible for displaying the current state of the checkers board with appropriate formatting and visualization.

Block 4: Get Move from User

```cpp std::string Checkers::getMove(bool blackTurn) { std::string moveString; if (blackTurn) { std::cout << "Enter Black move (eg. a2b3): "; } else { std::cout << "Enter Red move (eg. a2b3): "; } std::cin >> moveString; std::cout << std::endl; return moveString; } ```

The `getMove` function prompts the user for a move input and returns it as a string.

Block 5: Make a Move

```cpp void Checkers::makeMove(bool blackTurn, std::string moveString) { // Convert move string to origin and destination rank and file // Subtracts the ASCII value of '0' from the digit character char oldFile = moveString[0]; // The first character in the moveString represents the starting file, so oldFile is set to moveString[0]. int oldRank = (moveString[1] - '0'); // The second character in the move string represents the starting rank, char newFile = moveString[2]; // The third character in the move string represents the ending file, so newFile is set to moveString[2]. int newRank = (moveString[3] - '0'); //The fourth character in the move string represents the ending rank, and it's handled in the same way as the starting rank. // Pieces can't move beyond the board bounds if (!checkInBounds(newFile, newRank)) { std::cout << "makeMove Error! Destination not within boardspace." << std::endl; return; } // Set the square that the user selected Square* originSquare = &checkersBoard[oldRank - 1][oldFile - 'a']; Square* destSquare = &checkersBoard[newRank - 1][newFile - 'a']; if (!originSquare->isOccupied()) { std::cout << "makeMove ERROR! There is no piece located at File: " << oldFile << " | Rank: " << oldRank << std::endl; return; } *originSquare >> *destSquare; // Move the piece from the origin square to the destination square } ```

The `makeMove` function processes a move, validates its legality, and updates the board accordingly.

Block 6: Red Player's Move (Placeholder)

```cpp void Checkers::redMove() { // ... (empty function, not implemented) } ```

This function is a placeholder for the red player's move logic, which should be implemented.

Block 7: Black Player's Move (Placeholder)

```cpp void Checkers::blackMove() { // ... (empty function, not implemented) } ```

Similar to the previous block, this function is a placeholder for the black player's move logic.

Block 8: Play Checkers Game

```cpp void Checkers::playCheckers() { createBoard(); // Initialize the checkers board bool blackTurn = false; // Red player starts first while (!isGameOver()) { printBoard(); // Display the current board std::string move = getMove(blackTurn); // Get a move from the current player if (isValidMove(blackTurn, move)) { makeMove(blackTurn, move); // Apply the move to the board blackTurn = !blackTurn; // Switch to the other player's turn } else { std::cout << "Invalid move. Try again." << std::endl; } } // Game is over, determine the winner printBoard(); determineWinner(); } ```

The `playCheckers` function is the core of the checkers game, handling game flow, player turns, and win conditions.

Block 9: Check Red Win

```cpp bool Checkers::checkRedWin() { // Implement the logic to check if the red player wins. // This can include checking if the black player has no valid moves left. // You need to implement the specific rules for your checkers game. // Return true if the red player wins, otherwise return false. return false; // Placeholder, replace with your logic } ```

The `checkRedWin` function checks whether the red player has won by capturing all black pieces.

Block 10: Check Black Win

```cpp bool Checkers::checkBlackWin() { // Implement the logic to check if the black player wins. // This can include checking if the red player has no valid moves left. // You need to implement the specific rules for your checkers game. // Return true if the black player wins, otherwise return false. return false; // Placeholder, replace with your logic } ```

Similarly, the `checkBlackWin` function checks whether the black player has won by capturing all red pieces.

Block 11: Increment Red Captured Pieces

```cpp int Checkers::incrementNumCapturedRedPieces() { // Implement the logic to increment the count of red captured pieces. // This function is typically called when a black piece captures a red piece. // Increment the count of red captured pieces. numCapturedRedPieces++; // Return the updated count of red captured pieces. return numCapturedRedPieces; } ```

This function increments the count of red pieces that have been captured.

Block 12: Increment Black Captured Pieces

```cpp int Checkers::incrementNumCapturedBlackPieces() { // Implement the logic to increment the count of black captured pieces. // This function is typically called when a red piece captures a black piece. // Increment the count of black captured pieces. numCapturedBlackPieces++; // Return the updated count of black captured pieces. return numCapturedBlackPieces; } ```

Similarly, this function increments the count of black pieces that have been captured.

Block 13: Check In Bounds

```cpp bool Checkers::checkInBounds(char newFile, int newRank) { // Implement the logic to check if a move (newFile, newRank) is within the bounds of the checkers board. // Assuming the board size is 8x8, you can check if newFile is a valid file ('a' to 'h') and if newRank is a valid rank (1 to 8). bool validFile = (newFile >= 'a' && newFile <= 'h'); bool validRank = (newRank >= 1 && newRank <= 8); // If both the file and rank are valid, the move is within bounds. if (validFile && validRank) { return true; } // If either the file or rank is invalid, the move is out of bounds. return false; } ```

The `checkInBounds` function checks if a move is within the boundaries of the checkers board.

Block 14: Checkers Piece Constructor

```cpp CheckersPiece::CheckersPiece() { // Implement the constructor for the CheckersPiece class. // Initialize the properties of a checkers piece, such as its type, color, and status. type = EMPTY; // Set the piece type to EMPTY initially. color = NONE; // Set the piece color to NONE initially. isKing = false; // The piece is not a king initially. } ```

This constructor initializes a `CheckersPiece` object.

Block 15: Checkers Piece Parameterized Constructor

```cpp CheckersPiece::CheckersPiece(char symbol, char file, int rank) : symbol(symbol), file(file), rank(rank) { // Implement the parameterized constructor for the CheckersPiece class. // Initialize the properties of a checkers piece based on the provided parameters. switch (symbol) { case 'r': type = REGULAR; color = RED; isKing = false; break; case 'R': type = KING; color = RED; isKing = true; break; case 'b': type = REGULAR; color = BLACK; isKing = false; break; case 'B': type = KING; color = BLACK; isKing = true; break; case '.': type = EMPTY; color = NONE; isKing = false; break; default: type = UNKNOWN; color = NONE; isKing = false; } } ```

This parameterized constructor takes symbol, file, and rank as parameters to create a `CheckersPiece` object.

Block 16: Checkers Piece Deconstructor

```cpp CheckersPiece::~CheckersPiece() { // Implement the destructor for the CheckersPiece class. // This is typically used for cleanup when the object is destroyed. // In this case, there may not be any specific cleanup needed. }

The destructor for the `CheckersPiece` class.

Block 17: Main Test Function

```cpp void TestCode::mainTest() { // Implement the mainTest function to run your test cases. // You can write test cases to verify the functionality of your Checkers game code. // This function is where you can test various aspects of your code. } ```

The `mainTest` function runs various test cases to validate the functionality of the checkers game.

Block 18: Validate Test Output

```cpp void TestCode::validateTestOutput() { // Implement the validateTestOutput function to compare the actual output // of your functions with the expected output for each test case. // You can use this function to assert that your Checkers game code produces the // correct results as expected. } ```

This function is responsible for validating test outputs to ensure they match the expected results.

Block 19: Perform Tests

```cpp void TestCode::performTests() { // Implement the performTests function to execute a series of test cases // that assess the correctness of your Checkers game functions. // Each test case should include function calls and comparisons of the actual // output with the expected output. You can use assertions or other methods to // determine whether your game functions work as intended. } ```

This function performs various tests, including board creation, piece movement, and other aspects of the checkers game.

Conclusion

Creating a checkers game in C is a challenging yet rewarding project that helps you apply your C programming skills to a practical problem. By understanding the structure and components of the game, you can embark on the exciting journey of developing your own checkers game in C. This guide is just a starting point, and you can expand upon it to create a more feature-rich and engaging game. As you continue to refine and expand your game, you'll not only gain a deeper understanding of C programming but also have the opportunity to add innovative features and improvements, making your checkers game a standout project.