idk I thought it would be fun to try and make a competitive connect 4 algorithm, even though I'm getting behind in my classes and have midterms coming up, because priorities.
The executable file itself opens a command line window for the game. The program takes in numerical inputs from 1-7, and has a few failsafe mechanisms in case an invalid input is entered. Also, the computer algorithm is very competitive but can be cheesed because it is only programmed to look one step ahead, unless that step would allow the player to get 4 in a row, in which case it looks slightly further.
I wrote it in C++, but it's a bit sloppy with variables being reused for different purposes haphazardly and my 4d array ended up being virtually unused because it seems like a lot of work for an extra few lines of code that make it virtually the same. Also the drawing screen function had to be modified late after I made it for the game pieces falling animation but I didn't feel like adding a parameter to every single time I call the function (even though all I really had to do was ctrl+R) so I just copied it because it's a small function anyway. Maybe I'll modify it later I guess.
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uh, below are the original ideas for how the program would work, though they're probably not original outisde of my head since connnect 4 has been around for so long. At least it's the first time I've thought about this kind of thing so it's close enough to originality to me. Also not all of the ideas ended up in the final build. All the finished code can really do is block the player but if it's conflicted it tries to connect 4 pieces together.
each empty space calculated on point system of 4 scales: (V) Vertical (H) Horizontal (DR) diagonal:UpRight (DL) diagonal:UpLeft
Calculated for both player and opponent. Calculation: each empty space on grid weighed based on how many in row exist. If one empty space has horizontally, 2 filled red on right, 1 filled red on left, points added to 3; highest priority If one empty space has vertically, 3 yellow below, points 3; highest priority
ones directly atop currently filled spaces and bottom row if empty = REAL POINTS all others above, not immediately able to be placed = THEORETICAL POINTS, AI prioritizes tricking opponent
priority given slightly more to gaining own points rather than blocking opponent. 3+ in a row for self highest possible priority