Connect 4 Game

Overview

This is a console-based implementation of the classic Connect 4 game, featuring color-coded pieces, customizable board dimensions, save/load functionality, a high scores leaderboard, and a simple AI opponent.

ke.1.mp4

Features

1. Customizable Board Dimensions:
   • The game reads and validates board dimensions from an XML file (readXML.xml).
   • If there is any issue with reading the XML file, default values are applied (height = 7 and width = 6).
2. Save/Load Game:
   • Players can save their current game state to a binary file (savedgames.bin) and load it later to continue from where they left off.
   • The game efficiently handles file storage, and if the save file is removed or an error occurs, a new file is created automatically.
3. High Scores Leaderboard:
   • The game maintains a leaderboard of high scores, stored in a binary file (highscores.bin).
4. AI Opponent:
   • The game includes a basic AI opponent that simulates a simple algorithm to play against the human player.
5. Unique Win Evaluation:
   • The game evaluates the winner based on how many sets of 4-in-a-rows are achieved in rows, columns, and diagonals.
6. Redo/Undo Functionality:
   • The game features redo/undo options available in both the in-game and main menus.
7. Modular Code Structure:
   • The code is divided into six files for better organization and maintainability:
     • Rxml.h
     • connect 4 project.c
     • function.h
     • highscores.bin
     • readXML.xml
     • savedgames.bin

File Descriptions

• Rxml.h:
  • Header file for reading and validating XML data related to the board dimensions.
• connect 4 project.c:
  • The main source file containing the game logic, user interface, and flow control.
• function.h:
  • Header file containing function declarations used across the project.
• highscores.bin:
  • Binary file for storing the high scores leaderboard.
• readXML.xml:
  • XML file used for reading the board dimensions.
• savedgames.bin:
  • Binary file used for saving and loading game states.

Installation and Running the Game

1. Clone the Repository:

   bash
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   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/connect4.git
   cd connect4

2. Compile the Code:

   arduino
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   gcc -o connect4 connect\ 4\ project.c -lm
   

3. Run the Game:

   bash
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   ./connect4

How to Play

1. Starting the Game:
   • Run the executable and follow the on-screen instructions to start a new game or load a saved game.
2. Gameplay:
   • Players take turns dropping colored pieces into the columns of the board.
   • The goal is to connect as many sets of four of your pieces vertically, horizontally, or diagonally before your opponent does.
3. Saving and Loading:
   • You can save the current game state at any time and load it later to continue playing.
4. AI Opponent:
   • If you choose to play against the AI, the game will automatically simulate the AI's moves based on a simple algorithm.
5. In-Game Menu Options:
   • During the game, you can access the in-game menu for additional options:
     • c: Continue the game.
     • u: Undo the last move.
     • r: Redo the last undone move.
     • s: Save the current game state.
     • e: Exit the game.
   • You can access the main menu for options such as starting a new game, loading a game, viewing top players, and quitting the game.