Networked Chess Application

Overview

This repository contains the implementation of a Networked Chess Application developed in C. It was built as part of a homework assignment for the CSE 220: Systems Fundamentals I course at Stony Brook University. The project combines concepts of systems programming with real-world applications, enabling two players to engage in a simplified chess game over a network.

Key aspects of the project include socket programming, state synchronization, and chess logic implementation. Although not all chess rules are implemented (e.g., en passant, castling, check, and checkmate are excluded), the application serves as an excellent demonstration of core programming and networking principles.

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Key Features

• Chess Game Initialization: Sets up a valid chessboard state, ready for gameplay.
• Move Validation: Ensures all moves follow standard chess rules for pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queens, and kings.
• Client-Server Communication: Uses the C sockets API for seamless message exchange.
• FEN String Parsing & Generation: Implements Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) for board state representation.
• Game Save & Load: Allows players to save and reload games using usernames.
• Command-based Input: Supports commands like /move, /save, /load, and /forfeit.
• Network Programming: Establishes communication between client and server applications.

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My Experience

This project was a part of my coursework for CSE 220: Systems Fundamentals I at Stony Brook University. Through this assignment, I gained hands-on experience with:

• C programming fundamentals.
• Socket programming for client-server communication.
• Chess game logic and state management.
• Parsing structured data formats like FEN strings.
• Debugging and testing networked applications.

It was an enriching learning experience that helped me improve my problem-solving skills and understand how real-world applications are structured.

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Getting Started

Prerequisites

• C Compiler: GCC or Clang
• CMake: For building the project
• Linux/MacOS/WSL: Recommended for optimal performance

Build Instructions

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/networked-chess.git
   cd networked-chess

2. Configure the build:

   cmake -S . -B build

3. Compile the project:

   cmake --build build

4. Run the tests:

   ./build/run_tests

Running the Application

1. Start the server:

   ./build/hw4_server

2. Connect the client:

   ./build/hw4_client

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Commands

• /move <move_string>: Make a move (e.g., /move e2e4).
• /save <username>: Save the current game state for a username.
• /load <username> <save_number>: Load a previously saved game.
• /forfeit: Forfeit the game.
• /import <FEN_string>: Import a game state using FEN notation.
• /chessboard: Display the current state of the chessboard.

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Learning Outcomes

• Socket Programming: Designed a client-server model to enable real-time communication.
• Game Logic Implementation: Built a robust framework for validating chess moves.
• FEN String Manipulation: Parsed and generated board states in a standardized format.
• Systems Programming in C: Applied theoretical knowledge to a practical problem.
• File I/O: Enabled persistent game storage using files.

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Topics

• C Programming
• Socket Programming
• Networked Applications
• Chess Game Development
• FEN Notation
• State Synchronization
• Systems Fundamentals
• Game Development with C

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Acknowledgments

• This project was completed as part of CSE 220: Systems Fundamentals I at Stony Brook University.
• Starter code and assignment guidelines were provided by the course instructor.

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

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Keywords

C programming, networked chess application, socket programming in C, chess FEN string, systems programming project, chess game development, client-server architecture, chess logic implementation in C, network applications, game state synchronization.