JBC Chess

Architecture

JBC Chess is a full-stack web application that involved several technologies to ensure seamless interaction, ranging from C++ for developing the chess engine to using React and TypeScript for building the interactive website. Before giving complete details about the project, let's look at a brief overview of the underlying components:

1. Chess Engine: Crafted using the minimax algorithm with alpha-beta pruning in C++

2. REST API: Built with FastAPI and Python for real-time engine interactions

3. Front-end Website: Designed using React and TypeScript for a dynamic user experience

Chess Engine

Crafting an intelligent chess engine was accomplished using C++ as it enabled fast computations, which is crucial for an AI considering several moves simultaneously. I implemented a minimax algorithm that leverages a recursive search through the game tree, and factored in alpha-beta pruning to reduce computational overheads. By choosing the best possible move at each step, the engine simulates intelligent play, posing a strong challenge to the user.

Adding to the challenge, I programmed the engine to adapt to different situations by considering several factors, such as material value, piece mobility, positional advantage, and potential threats. This added depth and variety to the engine's playing style, ensuring a thrilling experience for the player.

REST API

To glue the chess engine and front-end website, I chose FastAPI and Python to create a REST API that serves as the communication layer between them. FastAPI is a modern, fast, and efficient web framework that made it easy to define routes and handle HTTP requests. I exposed endpoints like `/move`, `/reset`, and `/status`, enabling interaction in real time with the chess engine.

The REST API allowed the website to send user inputs such as move requests and receive responses containing the engine's chosen move or other game information. By storing the information on the server, I made it possible for users to engage with the AI engine with low latency.

Front-end Website

For the front-end, my goal was to create a visually appealing and responsive website that made it easy for users to play chess in a smooth environment. To accomplish this, I chose React and TypeScript – a combination that enabled me to build reusable components, ensuring rapid development and flexibility to handle changes.

I designed an interactive chessboard that displays real-time moves by both the player and the AI engine. Users can see the available moves and drag-and-drop pieces to make their play, while the AI engine seamlessly calculates its response. With a user-friendly interface, the chessboard and various controls like undo, reset, and AI difficulty settings offer an engaging experience that caters to both beginners and expert chess players.