CS 110: Introduction to Computing with Java

Lab 5

Pre-Lab

Do the following tasks before coming to lab.  You will not be able to work on the lab if you have not already completed these tasks.

Read the description of the lab.  Notice that you will be writing a class with one method called bestMove.  Write (in English or pseudo code) a description of the algorithm you will implement in the lab.  This is an important exercise.  The better you understand what you are doing, the quicker you will get through the lab.

Lab

Introduction

We continue working on the NIM Game introduced in Lab 3.  Our goal here is to write a class that controls how a computer player chooses to make moves.  Essentially, we are writing the “brains” of the computer player.

Purpose

This lab gives you some experience writing a small class.  You will also learn how to use the API documentation from other classes to work out how to use their services.

Activities

We have provided for you most of what you need to build a graphical application to play the NIM game Lab5.zip.  As always, download and unzip the files on your removable media and create/save a Dr Java Project file in your directory.  The documentation for all the project classes can be found in the Javadoc directory.  Here is a summary of the names of the source files with an explanation of their purpose.  The details are in the doc files.

SimpleNIMGUI,java – the user interface to the game

SimpleNIM.java– the game itself

Player.java– common code for player objects (human or computer)

HumanPlayer.java– represents the human player

MachinePlayer.java– represents the computer player

NIMStrategy.java- you need to write this class.  This class needs only one method:

·          public int bestMove(Player player, SimpleNIM game) – returns the number of sticks the computer player takes given the current state of the game.  

The parameters mean:

·          player – the computer player

·          game – the current game.

Try different strategies for the computer player:

·          Start by having the computer player take one stick no matter what the configuration of the game.  This will allow you to play and see that the game works.

·          Have the computer play the best strategy where, if possible, take the number of sticks such that after the move, the number of remaining sticks is one more than a multiple of 4.  If it is not possible to leave one more than a multiple of 4 sticks, then take one stick.

For example, if there are 18 sticks remaining, the computer should take one stick. 

You will need to use at least one method of the SimpleNIM class in order to write your bestMove method. 

Sample Output

There is no sample output for this assignment.

Before you leave, have your TA check off that you completed the lab.  Make sure each person saves a copy of your work. You may complete the code on your own, but the TA must certify that most of your work was done in the lab.

Lab Report

Write a document describing your experiences.   Your lab must be printed (not handwritten). 

Answer the following questions related to what you did in this week’s lab. 

What is wrong with the strategy of having the computer player always take two sticks with every move?  Explain.

What method(s) of the SimpleNIM class did you need to use in writing your method? 

Comment on the usefulness of the Javadco documentation for learning how to use a method of the SimpleNim class. 

Describe what you learned doing this lab.  Explain what was difficult and what was easy.

Attach a listing of your completed NIMStrategy class.  You only need to turn in your final implementation for the best strategy.

Note:  You should work alone on the lab report.

Note:  The assignment is due at the BEGINNING of your next lab.  No late assignments will be accepted.  Emailed assignments will not be accepted.  If you are not going to be in lab on the due date, you can turn the assignment ahead of time to the CS110 TA box in the CS department office.