COMP2800: Game of Life

Java implementation of Conway's Game of Life, the classic cellular automaton.

Features

GUI implemented using Java Swing

• Visual grid representation with customizable dimensions.
• Start, stop, pause, and step controls for simulation flow.
• Adjustable simulation speed using a slider.
• Ability to draw initial patterns on the grid.
• Reset button to revert to the initial grid state.

Installation

Prerequisites

• Java Development Kit (JDK) version 11 or later
• make utility (optional)
• Git

Steps

1. Clone the Repository:

git clone https://github.com/henok-9/game0fLife.git

2. Navigate to the project directory:

cd gameOfLife

3. Build the Project:

make compile

4. Run the Simulation:

make run

Usage

1. Set the initial grid size.
2. Optionally, click cells to create a starting pattern.
3. Press "Start" to begin the simulation.
4. Use "Pause", "Step", and the speed slider to control execution.
5. Press "Reset" to clear the grid and start over

Next Steps

• Use an actual Java build tool ... (Gradle)
• implement a way to visualize the age of cells with color gradients.
• Enable saving interesting patterns to files and reloading them.
• port project to JavaFx