TDD Connect Four

Introduction

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.

Project Overview

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.

Features

• 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.

Assignment Steps

1. Set Up the Project:

   • Create a new Ruby project.
   • Set up RSpec for testing.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

How to Run the Project

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/your-username/connect-four.git
   cd connect-four
   

2. Install Dependancies:

   bundle install
   

3. Run tests:

   rspec
   

4. Play the game:

    ruby lib/connect_four.rb
   

Learning Objectives

• 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.

Conclusion

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!