In this project, i built the classic game Connect Four using Ruby and the Test-Driven Development (TDD) approach. Connect Four is a two-player game where players take turns dropping pieces into a grid, aiming to get four of their pieces in a row, column, or diagonal.
The main objective of this project is to implement the Connect Four game in a command-line interface while applying TDD principles. i wrote tests first, then implement the code to pass those tests, ensuring my game is robust and well-tested.
- Two-Player Gameplay: Players alternate turns to drop pieces into the grid.
- Win Condition: The game checks for four consecutive pieces in a row, column, or diagonal to declare a winner.
- Command-Line Interface: The game runs in the terminal, allowing players to input their moves.
- Unicode Symbols: Optionally, use Unicode symbols to represent game pieces for a more visually appealing experience.
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Set Up the Project:
- Create a new Ruby project.
- Set up RSpec for testing.
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Implement TDD:
- Identify the core functionalities of the game (e.g., dropping pieces, checking for a win, switching turns).
- Write failing tests for each functionality.
- Implement the code to pass the tests.
- Refactor the code to improve readability and performance.
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Game Logic:
- Implement the logic for dropping pieces into the grid.
- Check for a win condition in rows, columns, and diagonals.
- Ensure the game handles edge cases, such as full columns.
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Command-Line Interface:
- Create a user-friendly interface for players to input their moves.
- Display the game board after each move.
- Announce the winner or declare a draw if the board is full.
- Clone the Repository:
git clone https://github.com/your-username/connect-four.git cd connect-four
- Install Dependancies:
bundle install
- Run tests:
rspec
- Play the game:
ruby lib/connect_four.rb
- Test-Driven Development: Gain proficiency in TDD by writing tests before implementing functionality.
- RSpec: Learn to write and run tests using the RSpec testing framework.
- Ruby Programming: Enhance your Ruby programming skills by building a complete game.
- Problem-Solving: Develop problem-solving skills by breaking down the game logic into manageable parts and writing tests for each part.
This project is an excellent opportunity to practice TDD while building a fun and interactive game. By following the TDD approach, i ensure your code is well-tested and maintainable. I enjoyed the process of building Connect Four and showcasing my skills in Ruby and TDD!