SAE 5.02 — Managing a Software Project (Krojanty)

Context

Development project for a turn-based strategy game in C language. The game rules were invented by the professor during the summer. The game had to have a graphical interface (GTK4), be playable over the network with other groups' games (groups of about 6), and have an AI capable of playing automatically over the network or locally against humans.

Description

My role in that project was to code the artificial intelligence of the game, which is based on the Minimax algorithm with alpha-beta pruning. I also integrated the code of each team member into a cohesive project and coordinated the technical aspects of the development process.

In detail

Technologies

C
GTK4
TCP/IP
Minimax Algorithm
Alpha-Beta Pruning
Make
Doxygen

My role

Development of the artificial intelligence (Minimax with alpha-beta pruning)
Integration of each team member's code
Technical project coordination

Project architecture

Game engine (gamelogic.c): Board management, move validation, game rules
Artificial Intelligence (ai.c): Minimax algorithm with alpha-beta pruning, transposition table, 3 difficulty levels (easy: depth 3, medium: depth 4, hard: depth 8)
Graphical interface (gui.c): GTK4 interface with interactive 9x9 grid, side panel, game logs
Network (net.c): TCP/IP communication, inter-player communication protocol, server/client mode

Game rules

Pieces: King, Soldiers, Forts
Objectives: Capture opponent's king, occupy opponent's fort with your king, or eliminate all opponent's soldiers except one
Straight-line movements with territory trails
Captures by moving onto occupied square

Game modes

Local 2 players
Local vs AI (3 difficulty levels)
Server mode (hosting)
Client mode (network connection)

Project management

Using GitLab for collaboration
Task distribution in team of 6
Technical documentation with Doxygen
Unit testing and validation
Compilation with Makefile

Skills developed

Advanced C programming
AI algorithms (Minimax, alpha-beta pruning)
TCP/IP network programming
GTK graphical interface development
Multi-developer code integration
IT project management
Testing and validation

Resources

Source code available in krojanty/imm2526-gr3 folder

National curriculum

Critical learning outcomes

AC31.02 | Produce technical documentation for this project
AC31.03 | Create a demonstration prototype of the project
AC31.04 | Defend/argue a project
AC31.05 | Communicate with project stakeholders
AC31.06 | Manage the project and its various implementation stages while respecting deadlines
AC32.05 | Collaborate in project mode in French and English
AC33.01 | Develop technical specifications and requirements for a software application
AC33.02 | Set up a collaborative work environment
AC33.03 | Participate in user training
AC33.04 | Deploy and maintain an IT solution
AC33.05 | Keep informed about technological developments and innovations
AC33.06 | Secure the digital environment of an application

Essential components

CE1.01 | by choosing appropriate network solutions and technologies
CE1.02 | by respecting fundamental IT security principles
CE1.03 | by using a rigorous approach for resolving malfunctions
CE1.04 | by respecting professional rules
CE1.05 | by ensuring technological watch
CE2.01 | by communicating with the client and the various stakeholders involved, sometimes in English
CE2.02 | by demonstrating a scientific approach
CE3.01 | by listening to client needs
CE3.02 | by documenting the work done
CE3.03 | by using digital tools wisely
CE3.04 | by choosing appropriate development tools
CE3.05 | by integrating security issues

Mobilized and combined resources

R5.04 | Software project lifecycle
R5.05 | English: Professional integration 1
R5.06 | Professional Expression-Culture-Communication: Integrating into an organization
R5.07 | Personal and Professional Project
R5.08 | Project management 3: Leading a professional project

Targeted competencies

Administer networks and the Internet
Connect companies and users
Create IT tools and applications for R&T