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A-level Computing/AQA/Paper 1/Skeleton program/2024
Reference material by Wikibooks contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
This is for the AQA A Level Computer Science Specification.
This is where suggestions can be made about what some of the questions might be and how we can solve them.
Please be respectful and do not vandalise the page as this would affect students' preparation for exams!!
Please do not discuss questions on this page. Instead use the discussion page.
Section C Predictions
The 2024 paper 1 will contain 3 questions worth 11 marks in total (3+2+6=11). As long as you know the program well i.e. that understanding each line of code and you know what each line of code does, you can also do this by using ChatGPT and Gemini and its important you use all the tools available to you, this will be dead easy. I'm predicting this year there will be a question on Inheritance about the cell and they will ask what it means so will be worth 3 marks. Also they could be a question on overriding and they could be a question about difference from the protected, private and public methods from looking at past papers.
Section D Predictions
Programming Questions on Skeleton Program
The 2024 paper 1 contains 4 questions: a 5 mark, a 6 mark question and two 14 mark questions - these marks include the screen capture, so the likely marks for the coding will be 1-2 marks lower. On top of this, can someone please add some more solutions in VB.net for these problems. Message for moderator - I added a question I think could come up put a link up then delete this message please - Thanks for such a brilliant resources you have provide for help for all students!
The 2023 paper 1 contains 4 questions: a 5 mark, a 9 mark question, a 10 mark question and one 13 mark question - these marks include the screen capture(s), so the likely marks for the coding will be 1-2 marks lower.
The 2022 paper 1 contained 4 questions: a 5 mark, a 9 mark question, a 11 mark question and one 13 mark question - these marks include the screen capture(s), so the likely marks for the coding will be 1-2 marks lower.
The 2021 paper 1 contained 4 questions: a 6 mark, an 8 mark question, a 9 mark question and one 14 mark question - these marks include the screen capture(s), so the likely marks for the coding will be 1-2 marks lower.
The 2020 paper 1 contained 4 questions: a 6 mark, an 8 mark question, a 11 mark question and one 12 mark question - these marks include the screen capture(s), so the likely marks for the coding will be 1-2 marks lower.
The 2019 paper 1 contained 4 questions: a 5 mark, an 8 mark question, a 9 mark question and one 13 mark question - these marks include the screen capture(s), so the marks for the coding will be 1-2 marks lower.
The 2018 paper 1 contained 5 questions: a 2 mark question, a 5 mark question, two 9 mark questions, and one 12 mark question - these marks include the screen capture(s).
The 2017 paper 1 contained 5 questions: a 5 mark question, three 6 mark questions, and one 12 mark question.
Current questions are speculation by contributors to this page.
Question 1 - Symbol Case [3 marks]
Lower case symbols are not accepted. E.g. if you enter 'q' it is not recognized as 'Q'. Fix this.
C#Easy solution just add .ToUpper() and it will change your lowercase inputs to uppercase and allow them to work.}}
private string GetSymbolFromUser()
{
string Symbol = "";
while (!AllowedSymbols.Contains(Symbol))
{
Console.Write("Enter symbol: ");
Symbol = Console.ReadLine().ToUpper();
}
return Symbol;
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
private String getSymbolFromUser() {
String symbol = "";
while (!allowedSymbols.contains(symbol)) {
Console.write("Enter symbol: ");
symbol = Console.readLine();
symbol = symbol.toUpperCase(); //added line
}
return symbol;
}
Python def __GetSymbolFromUser(self):
Symbol = ""
while not Symbol in self.__AllowedSymbols:
Symbol = input("Enter symbol: ").upper()
return Symbol
VB.NETA simple solution, just add UCase to change all input to upper case.
Private Function GetSymbolFromUser() As String
Dim Symbol As String = ""
While Not AllowedSymbols.Contains(Symbol)
Console.Write("Enter symbol: ")
Symbol = UCase(Console.ReadLine())
End While
Return Symbol
End Function
Question 2 - Game file not existing [4 marks]
If a filename is entered that does not exist, the game is unplayable (infinite loop). Amend the program so that in this case the default game is played, with a suitable message to indicate this.
C#
static void Main(string[] args)
{
string Again = "y";
int Score;
while (Again == "y")
{
Console.Write("Press Enter to start a standard puzzle or enter name of file to load: ");
string Filename = Console.ReadLine();
Puzzle MyPuzzle;
if (Filename.Length > 0)
{
// new code for question 2 - use try/catch in main and otherwise cause default game to be played
try
{
MyPuzzle = new Puzzle(Filename + ".txt");
}
catch
{
Console.WriteLine("Invalid file. Playing default puzzle instead.");
MyPuzzle = new Puzzle(8, Convert.ToInt32(8 * 8 * 0.6));
}
// end of new code for question 2
}
else
{
MyPuzzle = new Puzzle(8, Convert.ToInt32(8 * 8 * 0.6));
}
Score = MyPuzzle.AttemptPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine("Puzzle finished. Your score was: " + Score);
Console.Write("Do another puzzle? ");
Again = Console.ReadLine().ToLower();
}
Console.ReadLine();
}
// try/catch removed from loadPuzzle subroutine
private void LoadPuzzle(string Filename)
{
using (StreamReader MyStream = new StreamReader(Filename))
{
int NoOfSymbols = Convert.ToInt32(MyStream.ReadLine());
for (var Count = 1; Count <= NoOfSymbols; Count++)
{
AllowedSymbols.Add(MyStream.ReadLine());
}
int NoOfPatterns = Convert.ToInt32(MyStream.ReadLine());
for (var Count = 1; Count <= NoOfPatterns; Count++)
{
List<string> Items = MyStream.ReadLine().Split(',').ToList();
Pattern P = new Pattern(Items[0], Items[1]);
AllowedPatterns.Add(P);
}
GridSize = Convert.ToInt32(MyStream.ReadLine());
for (var Count = 1; Count <= GridSize * GridSize; Count++)
{
Cell C;
List<string> Items = MyStream.ReadLine().Split(',').ToList();
if (Items[0] == "@")
{
C = new BlockedCell();
}
else
{
C = new Cell();
C.ChangeSymbolInCell(Items[0]);
for (var CurrentSymbol = 1; CurrentSymbol < Items.Count; CurrentSymbol++)
{
C.AddToNotAllowedSymbols(Items[CurrentSymbol]);
}
}
Grid.Add(C);
}
Score = Convert.ToInt32(MyStream.ReadLine());
SymbolsLeft = Convert.ToInt32(MyStream.ReadLine());
}
}}}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
//Change loadfile to return a boolean to say if it was successful
private boolean loadPuzzle(String filename) {
boolean success = true;
try {
File myStream = new File(filename);
Scanner scan = new Scanner(myStream);
int noOfSymbols = Integer.parseInt(scan.nextLine());
for (int count = 0; count < noOfSymbols; count++) {
allowedSymbols.add(scan.nextLine());
}
int noOfPatterns = Integer.parseInt(scan.nextLine());
for (int count = 0; count < noOfPatterns; count++) {
String[] items = scan.nextLine().split(",", 2);
Pattern p = new Pattern(items[0], items[1]);
allowedPatterns.add(p);
}
gridSize = Integer.parseInt(scan.nextLine());
for (int count = 1; count <= gridSize * gridSize; count++) {
Cell c;
String[] items = scan.nextLine().split(",", 2);
if (items[0].equals("@")) {
c = new BlockedCell();
} else {
c = new Cell();
c.changeSymbolInCell(items[0]);
for (int currentSymbol = 1; currentSymbol < items.length; currentSymbol++) {
c.addToNotAllowedSymbols(items[currentSymbol]);
}
}
grid.add(c);
}
score = Integer.parseInt(scan.nextLine());
symbolsLeft = Integer.parseInt(scan.nextLine());
} catch (Exception e) {
Console.writeLine("Puzzle not loaded");
success = false;
}
return success;
}
//Change the Puzzle(filename) constructor to load a default 8*8 puzzle if the filename is invalid
public Puzzle(String filename) {
grid = new ArrayList<>();
allowedPatterns = new ArrayList<>();
allowedSymbols = new ArrayList<>();
if (!loadPuzzle(filename)) {
//the puzzle could not be loaded - run normal game with default size and symbols
score = 0;
symbolsLeft = (int) (8*8*0.6);
gridSize = 8;
grid = new ArrayList<>();
for (int count = 1; count < gridSize * gridSize + 1; count++) {
Cell c;
if (getRandomInt(1, 101) < 90) {
c = new Cell();
} else {
c = new BlockedCell();
}
grid.add(c);
}
allowedPatterns = new ArrayList<>();
allowedSymbols = new ArrayList<>();
Pattern qPattern = new Pattern("Q", "QQ**Q**QQ");
allowedPatterns.add(qPattern);
allowedSymbols.add("Q");
Pattern xPattern = new Pattern("X", "X*X*X*X*X");
allowedPatterns.add(xPattern);
allowedSymbols.add("X");
Pattern tPattern = new Pattern("T", "TTT**T**T");
allowedPatterns.add(tPattern);
allowedSymbols.add("T");
}
}
Pythondef Main():
Again = "y"
Score = 0
while Again == "y":
while True:
Filename = input("Press Enter to start a standard puzzle or enter name of file to load: ")
if len(Filename) > 0 and os.path.isfile(Filename + '.txt'):
MyPuzzle = Puzzle(Filename + ".txt") MyPuzzle object
elif not os.path.isfile(Filename + '.txt'):
print('File not found doing default')
MyPuzzle = Puzzle(8, int(8 * 8 * 0.6))
else:
MyPuzzle = Puzzle(8, int(8 * 8 * 0.6))
Score = MyPuzzle.AttemptPuzzle()
print("Puzzle finished. Your score was: " + str(Score))
Again = input("Do another puzzle? ").lower()
VB.NETThis helps to reset the code so that the program isn't stuck in an infinite loop trying to collect information that cannot be used. Allows the user another chance to re-enter the file name for the puzzle.
Private Sub LoadPuzzle(Filename As String)
Try
Using MyStream As New StreamReader(Filename)
Dim NoOfSymbols As Integer = MyStream.ReadLine()
For Count = 1 To NoOfSymbols
AllowedSymbols.Add(MyStream.ReadLine())
Next
Dim NoOfPatterns As Integer = MyStream.ReadLine()
For Count = 1 To NoOfPatterns
Dim Items As List(Of String) = MyStream.ReadLine().Split(",").ToList()
Dim P As Pattern = New Pattern(Items(0), Items(1))
AllowedPatterns.Add(P)
Next
GridSize = Convert.ToInt32(MyStream.ReadLine())
For Count = 1 To GridSize * GridSize
Dim C As Cell
Dim Items As List(Of String) = MyStream.ReadLine().Split(",").ToList()
If Items(0) = "@" Then
C = New BlockedCell()
Else
C = New Cell()
C.ChangeSymbolInCell(Items(0))
For CurrentSymbol = 1 To Items.Count - 1
C.AddToNotAllowedSymbols(Items(CurrentSymbol))
Next
End If
Grid.Add(C)
Next
Score = MyStream.ReadLine()
SymbolsLeft = MyStream.ReadLine()
End Using
Catch
Console.WriteLine("Puzzle not loaded")
Call Main()
End Try
End Sub
Alternative approach --> The question asks us to only accept files that exist otherwise play a default game. I have used a function instead as it is more easier to remember.
Main Sub
Sub Main()
Dim Again As String = "y"
Dim Score As Integer
While Again = "y"
Console.Write("Press Enter to start a standard puzzle or enter name of file to load: ")
Dim Filename As String = Console.ReadLine()
Dim MyPuzzle As Puzzle
If Filename.Length > 0 And isValid(Filename) Then ' added function here
MyPuzzle = New Puzzle(Filename & ".txt")
Else
MyPuzzle = New Puzzle(8, Int(8 * 8 * 0.6))
End If
Score = MyPuzzle.AttemptPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine("Puzzle finished. Your score was: " & Score)
Console.Write("Do another puzzle? ")
Again = Console.ReadLine().ToLower()
End While
Console.ReadLine()
End Sub
isValid function
Function isValid(path As String) As Boolean
Try
If File.Exists(path + ".txt") Then ' adding .txt will cause the code to not read the file
Dim inp() As String = File.ReadAllLines(path + ".txt") ' reads all input
If inp.Length > 0 Then ' checks if file is empty
Return True
Else
Console.WriteLine("File is empty.")
Return False
End If
Else
Console.WriteLine("File does not exist.")
Return False
End If
Catch ex As Exception ' if we experience any exceptions, then we can presume that the file is not a game file
Console.WriteLine("Error reading file: " & ex.Message)
Return False
End Try
End Function
Question 3 - Blow up a block (blocked cell) [10 marks]
Have a 'bomb' that can remove or 'blow-up' a block in a 'blocked cell', but costs you some of your score (minus some points):
C#
// start change
private string GetSymbolFromUser()
{
string Symbol = "";
while (!AllowedSymbols.Contains(Symbol) && Symbol != "bomb")
{
Console.Write("Enter symbol or 'bomb' to blow up an @: ");
Symbol = Console.ReadLine();
}
return Symbol;
}
// end change
public virtual int AttemptPuzzle()
…
// start change
string Symbol = GetSymbolFromUser();
if (Symbol == "bomb" && Score >= 10)
{
int i = (GridSize - Row) * GridSize + Column – 1;
Grid[i] = new Cell(CurrentCell.GetSymbolsNotAllowed);
Score -= 10;
}
else if (Symbol == "bomb" && Score < 10)
{
Console.WriteLine("You do not have sufficient score to use this move");
}
else
{
SymbolsLeft -= 1;
Cell CurrentCell = GetCell(Row, Column);
if (CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol))
{
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol);
int AmountToAddToScore = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column);
if (AmountToAddToScore > 0)
{
Score += AmountToAddToScore;
}
}
if (SymbolsLeft == 0)
{
Finished = true;
}
}
// end change
// start change (in class Cell)
public Cell(List<string> _symbolsNotAllowed)
{
Symbol = "";
SymbolsNotAllowed = _symbolsNotAllowed;
}
public List<string> GetSymbolsNotAllowed
{
get { return SymbolsNotAllowed; }
}
// end change
Delphi/Pascal
JavaAdding another symbol B to the list to recognise it in the process.
allowedSymbols.add("B");
And add a condition to the update loop (attemptPuzzle) for the "B" symbol
public int attemptPuzzle() {
boolean finished = false;
while (!finished) {
displayPuzzle();
Console.writeLine("Current score: " + score);
int row = -1;
boolean valid = false;
while (!valid) {
Console.write("Enter row number: ");
try {
row = Integer.parseInt(Console.readLine());
valid = true;
} catch (Exception e) {
}
}
int column = -1;
valid = false;
while (!valid) {
Console.write("Enter column number: ");
try {
column = Integer.parseInt(Console.readLine());
valid = true;
} catch (Exception e) {
}
}
String symbol = getSymbolFromUser();
Cell currentCell = getCell(row, column); // this was moved up for the validation below
if(symbol.equals("B") && currentCell.getClass() == BlockedCell.class && score > 2) { // check if the symbol is "B", the target is a BlockedCell and the player has enough score to sacrifice
grid.set((gridSize - row) * gridSize + column - 1, new Cell()); // set an empty cell to the position (indexing can be found in getCell() method)
score -= 3; // change the score
} else if (symbol.equals("B")){
System.out.println("Cannot blow an empty block or you have not enough score to use the command.");
continue; // start a new iteration BEFORE symbolsLeft is decremented (no move was made)
}
symbolsLeft -= 1;
if (currentCell.checkSymbolAllowed(symbol)) {
currentCell.changeSymbolInCell(symbol);
int amountToAddToScore = checkForMatchWithPattern(row, column);
if (amountToAddToScore > 0) {
score += amountToAddToScore;
}
}
if (symbolsLeft == 0) {
finished = true;
}
}
Console.writeLine();
displayPuzzle();
Console.writeLine();
return score;
}
PythonThis adds a new symbol "B" which can only be played on a blocked tile.
# Add to the init of Puzzle
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("B")
def AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
Row = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Row = int(input("Enter row number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Column = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Column = int(input("Enter column number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Symbol = self.__GetSymbolFromUser()
self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1
CurrentCell = self.__GetCell(Row, Column)
# CHANGES HERE
if Symbol == "B" and type(CurrentCell) == BlockedCell:
Index = (self.__GridSize - Row) * self.__GridSize + Column - 1
self.__Grid[Index] = Cell() # Change Blocked Cell to regular Cell so the cell is "open"
self.__Score -= 3
elif CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) and Symbol != "B":
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
AmountToAddToScore = self.CheckforMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
if self.__SymbolsLeft == 0:
Finished = True
print()
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print()
return self.__Score
VB.NET
‘’in Function AttemptPuzzle()
'' start change
Dim Symbol As String = GetSymbolFromUser()
Dim CurrentCell As Cell = GetCell(Row, Column)
If ((Symbol = "bomb") And (Score >= 10)) Then
Dim i As Integer = ((GridSize - Row) * GridSize + Column) - 1
Grid(i) = New Cell
Score -= 10
ElseIf ((Symbol = "bomb") And (Score < 10)) Then
Console.WriteLine("You do not have suffiecient score to use this move")
Else
SymbolsLeft -= 1
If CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) Then
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
Dim AmountToAddToScore As Integer = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
If AmountToAddToScore > 0 Then
Score += AmountToAddToScore
End If
End If
If SymbolsLeft = 0 Then
Finished = True
End If
End If
''end change
Private Function GetSymbolFromUser() As String
Dim Symbol As String = ""
''start change
While ((Not AllowedSymbols.Contains(Symbol)) And (Not Symbol = "bomb"))
'' end change
Console.Write("Enter symbol or 'bomb' to blow up an @: ")
Symbol = (Console.ReadLine())
End While
Return Symbol
End Function
Question 4 - Add additional symbols/letters [3 marks]
Add additional letters/symbols e.g. L or O or U or V or C or H or I.
C#
The code here will allow you to get 10 points for creating an L shape in the grid.
Pattern LPattern = new Pattern("L", "L***LLLL*");
AllowedPatterns.Add(LPattern);
AllowedSymbols.Add("L");
Delphi/Pascal
JavaIf you look carefully, you can spot that the pattern recognition goes in a spiral:
0_1_2
7_8_3
6_5_4
So we are going to need to map our new letter the same way:
Example of "L":
L_*_*
L_*_*
L_L_L
Next, simply follow the pattern to create a string:
// ...other patterns
Pattern lPattern = new Pattern("L", "L***LLLL*");
allowedPatterns.add(lPattern);
allowedSymbols.add("L");
PythonThe way that the pattern checking works is in clockwise. This is the order
1 2 3
8 9 4
7 6 5
so the pattern for Q is QQ**Q**QQ, and if you place the symbols in that order, you get the correct pattern.
# Edit Puzzle().init()
class Puzzle():
def __init__(self, *args):
LPattern = Pattern("L", "L***LLLL*")
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(LPattern)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("L")
VB.NETThis allows the user to create an L pattern that results in them earning 10 points.
Dim LPattern As Pattern = New Pattern("L", "L***LLLL*")
AllowedPatterns.Add(LPattern)
AllowedSymbols.Add("L")
Question 5 - Save current game (status) [5 marks]
Save the current status of the game (file-handling)/writing to a text file.
C#
public virtual int AttemptPuzzle()
{
bool Finished = false;
while (!Finished)
{
DisplayPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " + Score);
bool Valid = false;
int Row = -1;
while (!Valid)
{
Console.Write("Enter row number: ");
try
{
Row = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
Valid = true;
}
catch
{
}
}
int Column = -1;
Valid = false;
while (!Valid)
{
Console.Write("Enter column number: ");
try
{
Column = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
Valid = true;
}
catch
{
}
}
string Symbol = GetSymbolFromUser();
SymbolsLeft -= 1
Cell CurrentCell = GetCell(Row, Column);
if (CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol))
{
SymbolsLeft -= 1;
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol);
int AmountToAddToScore = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column);
if (AmountToAddToScore > 0)
{
Score += AmountToAddToScore;
}
}
if (SymbolsLeft == 0)
{
Finished = true;
}
//New code for question 5 including calling new SavePuzzle() method:
Console.WriteLine("Do you wish to save your puzzle and exit? (Y for yes)");
if (Console.ReadLine().ToUpper() == "Y")
{
Console.WriteLine("What would you like to save your puzzle as?");
string file = Console.ReadLine();
SavePuzzle(file);
Console.WriteLine("Puzzle Successfully Saved.");
break;
}
//end of code for question 5
}
Console.WriteLine();
DisplayPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine();
return Score;
//new SavePuzzle() method:
private void SavePuzzle(string filename)
{
filename = filename + ".txt";
using (StreamWriter sw = new StreamWriter(filename))
{
sw.WriteLine(AllowedSymbols.Count);
foreach (var symbol in AllowedSymbols)
{
sw.WriteLine(symbol);
}
sw.WriteLine(AllowedPatterns.Count);
foreach (var pattern in AllowedPatterns)
{
sw.WriteLine(pattern.GetPatternSymbol() + "," + pattern.GetPatternSequence());
}
sw.WriteLine(GridSize);
foreach (Cell C in Grid)
{
List<string> notAllowedSymbol = C.returnNotAllowedSymbols();
try
{
sw.WriteLine(C.GetSymbol() + "," + notAllowedSymbol[0]);
}
catch
{
sw.WriteLine(C.GetSymbol() + ",");
}
}
sw.WriteLine(Score);
sw.WriteLine(SymbolsLeft);
}
}
// new returnNotAllowedSymbol() method in Pattern class
public virtual List<string> returnNotAllowedSymbols()
{
return SymbolsNotAllowed;
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
}
private void savePuzzle(String filename){
try {
FileWriter myWriter = new FileWriter(filename);
myWriter.write(""+allowedSymbols.size()+"\n");
for (String s:allowedSymbols){
myWriter.write(s+"\n");
}
myWriter.write(""+allowedPatterns.size()+"\n");
for (Pattern p:allowedPatterns){
myWriter.write(p.getPatternSequence().charAt(0)+","+p.getPatternSequence()+"\n");
}
myWriter.write(""+gridSize+"\n");
for (Cell c:grid){
String toWrite=""+c.getSymbol()+",";
for(String s:allowedSymbols){
if (!c.checkSymbolAllowed(s)){
toWrite=toWrite+s;
}
}
myWriter.write(toWrite+"\n");
}
myWriter.write(score+"\n");
myWriter.write(symbolsLeft+"\n");
myWriter.close();
} catch (Exception e) {
Console.writeLine("Puzzle not saved");
}
}
// And changes in attemptPuzzle
Console.writeLine("Do you wish to save and quit the game y/n?: ");
String quit = Console.readLine();
if (quit.equals("y")){
Console.writeLine("Please enter a filename with a .txt extension: ");
String fname=Console.readLine();
savePuzzle(fname);
finished = true;
}
PythonSome of the get methods have to be added manually in each class.
class Puzzle:
def __save_puzzle(self, filename):
with open(filename, 'w') as f:
f.write(f"{len(self.__AllowedSymbols)}\n")
for i in self.__AllowedSymbols:
f.write(f"{i}\n")
f.write(f"{len(self.__AllowedPatterns)}\n")
for i in self.__AllowedPatterns:
f.write(f"{i.GetSymbol()},{i.GetPatternSequence()}\n")
f.write(f"{self.__GridSize}\n")
for cell in self.__Grid:
symbol = cell.GetSymbol()
f.write(f"{symbol if symbol != '-' else ''},{','.join(cell.GetNotAllowedSymbols())}\n")
f.write(f"{self.__Score}\n")
f.write(f"{self.__SymbolsLeft}\n")
VB.NET
Sub SaveGame()
Console.WriteLine("Enter filename")
Dim filename As String = Console.ReadLine
filename = filename & ".txt"
Dim SR As New StreamWriter(filename)
'this is the number of symbols
SR.WriteLine(AllowedSymbols.Count)
'this loops through the different symbols
For i As Integer = 0 To AllowedSymbols.Count - 1
SR.WriteLine(AllowedSymbols(i))
Next
'this is the number of patterns
SR.WriteLine(AllowedPatterns.Count)
'displays the different patterns
For j As Integer = 0 To AllowedPatterns.Count - 1
SR.WriteLine(AllowedSymbols(j) & "," & AllowedPatterns(j).GetPatternSequence)
Next
'this is the gridsize
SR.WriteLine(GridSize)
'this writes out the grid
For a As Integer = 0 To Grid.Count - 1
SR.WriteLine(Grid(a).GetSymbol() & Grid(a).returnNotAllowedList)
Next
'this is the current score
SR.WriteLine(Score)
'this is the number of symbols left
SR.WriteLine(SymbolsLeft)
SR.Close()
End Sub
'cleaned version (above version has a few issues)
Public Overridable Function AttemptPuzzle() As Integer
Dim Finished As Boolean = False
While Not Finished
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " & Score)
Dim Valid As Boolean = False
Dim Row As Integer = -1
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter row number: ")
Try
Row = Console.ReadLine()
Valid = True
Catch
End Try
End While
Dim Column As Integer = -1
Valid = False
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter column number: ")
Try
Column = Console.ReadLine()
Valid = True
Catch
End Try
End While
Dim Symbol As String = GetSymbolFromUser()
Dim CurrentCell As Cell = GetCell(Row, Column)
If (Symbol = "bomb") AndAlso (Score >= 10) Then
Dim i As Integer = ((GridSize - Row) * GridSize + Column) - 1
Grid(i) = New Cell
Score -= 10
ElseIf Symbol = "Bomb" AndAlso Score < 10 Then
Console.WriteLine("You do not have sufficient score to use this move")
Else
SymbolsLeft -= 1
If CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) Then
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
Dim AmountToAddToScore As Integer = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
If AmountToAddToScore > 0 Then
Score += AmountToAddToScore
End If
End If
If SymbolsLeft = 0 Then
Finished = True
End If
Console.WriteLine("Would you like to save your puzzle and exit? (Y/N) ")
If UCase(Console.ReadLine()) = "Y" Then
Console.WriteLine("What name would you like to save your puzzle as ? ")
Dim new_filename As String = Console.ReadLine() + ".txt"
Dim error_status = SavePuzzle(new_filename)
If Not error_status Then
Console.WriteLine("Puzzle Successfully Saved. ")
End If
End If
End If
End While
Console.WriteLine()
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine()
Return Score
End Function
Private Function SavePuzzle(filename As String) As Boolean
Dim SR As New StreamWriter(filename)
SR.WriteLine(AllowedSymbols.Count)
For i As Integer = 0 To AllowedSymbols.Count - 1
SR.WriteLine(AllowedSymbols(i))
Next
SR.WriteLine(AllowedPatterns.Count)
For j As Integer = 0 To AllowedPatterns.Count - 1
SR.WriteLine(AllowedSymbols(j) & "," & AllowedPatterns(j).GetPatternSequence)
Next
SR.WriteLine(GridSize)
For t = 0 To Grid.Count - 1
Dim notAllowedSymbol As String
' Check if returnNotAllowedList is empty
If Grid(t).returnNotAllowedList.Count > 0 Then
notAllowedSymbol = Grid(t).returnNotAllowedList(0)
Else
notAllowedSymbol = ""
End If
SR.WriteLine(Grid(t).GetSymbol & "," & notAllowedSymbol)
Next
SR.WriteLine(Score)
SR.WriteLine(SymbolsLeft)
SR.Close()
Return True
End Function
Cell class:
Public Function returnNotAllowedList() As List(Of String)
Return SymbolsNotAllowed
End Function
Alternative approach --> Its better to not modify the Cell class (unless its asked). I have also used string concatenation as its easier to remember during exam stress and is easier to understand/debug.
AttemptPuzzle method
Public Overridable Function AttemptPuzzle() As Integer
Dim Finished As Boolean = False
While Not Finished
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " & Score)
Dim Valid As Boolean = False
Dim Row As Integer = -1
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter row number: ")
Try ' CHANGES START FROM HERE
Dim inp1 = Console.ReadLine()
If (inp1 = "SAVEGAME") Then
SaveGame()
Valid = False
Else
Row = Int32.Parse(inp1)
Valid = True
End If
Catch ' CHANGE ENDS HERE
End Try
End While
Dim Column As Integer = -1
Valid = False
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter column number: ")
Try ' CHANGES START FROM HERE
Dim inp1 = Console.ReadLine()
If (inp1 = "SAVEGAME") Then
SaveGame()
Valid = False
Else
Column = Int32.Parse(inp1)
Valid = True
End If
Catch ' CHANGE ENDS HERE
End Try
End While
Dim Symbol As String = GetSymbolFromUser()
SymbolsLeft -= 1
Dim CurrentCell As Cell = GetCell(Row, Column)
If CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) Then
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
Dim AmountToAddToScore As Integer = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
If AmountToAddToScore > 0 Then
Score += AmountToAddToScore
End If
End If
If SymbolsLeft = 0 Then
Finished = True
End If
End While
Console.WriteLine()
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine()
Return Score
End Function
SaveGame method
Private Sub SaveGame()
Dim alreadyExists As Boolean = True ' start by making your variables
Dim savePath As String = String.Empty
Dim fileContent As String = String.Empty
While alreadyExists ' make a loop until you get valid input
Console.Write("Enter a name:")
savePath = Console.ReadLine()
If File.Exists(savePath + ".txt") Then ' see if it exists
alreadyExists = True
Console.WriteLine("Please enter a file name that is not taken already!")
Else
alreadyExists = False
End If
End While ' We are basically constructing a string that we will then make as a text file, you can StreamReader or StringBuilder but I personally perfer this as its more easier to debug. Use the text files provided and LoadPuzzle method for help
fileContent = fileContent & (AllowedSymbols.Count.ToString() + Environment.NewLine) ' symbols allowed
For Each sym In AllowedSymbols
fileContent = fileContent & (sym + Environment.NewLine) ' add the allowed symbols one by one
Next
fileContent = fileContent & (AllowedPatterns.Count.ToString() + Environment.NewLine) ' patterns allowed
For Each pat In AllowedPatterns
fileContent = fileContent & (findSymbol(pat.GetPatternSequence().ToString()).ToString() + "," + pat.GetPatternSequence().ToString() + Environment.NewLine) ' Get the Symbol and then the pattern split by ,
Next
fileContent = fileContent & (GridSize.ToString() + Environment.NewLine) ' gridsize
For Each item In Grid ' we export all the cells into the text file
Dim symbol = item.GetSymbol ' see if its an empty cell or normal/blocked cell
Dim notAllowed As String = String.Empty
For Each sym In AllowedSymbols ' checks for the not allowed symbol, would be nice for AQA to make a function for us
If (Not item.CheckSymbolAllowed(sym)) Then
notAllowed = sym
Exit For ' you will get the last symbol if you don't add this
End If
Next
If (symbol = "-") Then ' comma only plus the not allowed symbol
fileContent = fileContent & ("," + notAllowed.ToString() + Environment.NewLine)
Else ' the symbol comma plus the not allowed symbol
fileContent = fileContent & (symbol.ToString() + "," + notAllowed.ToString() + Environment.NewLine)
End If
Next
fileContent = fileContent & (Score.ToString() + Environment.NewLine) ' score
fileContent = fileContent & (SymbolsLeft.ToString() + Environment.NewLine) ' how many left
fileContent.TrimEnd() ' bug that creates a random new line is fixed here
File.WriteAllText(savePath + ".txt", fileContent) ' create txt
End Sub
findSymbol method
Function findSymbol(str As String) ' Not all patterns might start with their symbol, this is a failsafe
For Each strs In str
If (strs <> "*") Then
Return strs
End If
Next
End Function
Question 6 - Rotated letter/symbol [9 marks]
Score a 'rotated' symbol/letter (lower score?)
C#Rotated letters are given 5 points rather than 10.
public virtual int CheckForMatchWithPattern(int Row, int Column)
{
for (var StartRow = Row + 2; StartRow >= Row; StartRow--)
{
for (var StartColumn = Column - 2; StartColumn <= Column; StartColumn++)
{
try
{
string PatternString = "";
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).GetSymbol();
PatternString += GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol();
for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
{
foreach (var P in AllowedPatterns)
{
string CurrentSymbol = GetCell(Row, Column).GetSymbol();
if (P.MatchesPattern(PatternString, CurrentSymbol))
{
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
if (i == 0)
{
return 10;
}
else
{
return 5;
}
}
}
PatternString = PatternString.Substring(2, 6) + PatternString.Substring(0, 2) + PatternString[8];
}
}
catch
{
}
}
}
return 0;
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
public int CheckforMatchWithPattern(int Row, int Column) {
for (int StartRow = Row + 2; StartRow > Row - 1; StartRow--) {
for (int StartColumn = Column - 2; StartColumn < Column + 1; StartColumn++) {
try {
String PatternString = "";
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).GetSymbol();
PatternString += this.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol();
String LeftRotation = PatternString.substring(6, 8) + PatternString.substring(0, 6) + PatternString.substring(8);
String RightRotation = PatternString.substring(2, 7) + PatternString.substring(0, 2) + PatternString.substring(8);
String DownRotation = PatternString.substring(4, 8) + PatternString.substring(0, 4) + PatternString.substring(8);
String[] Rotations = {PatternString, LeftRotation, RightRotation, DownRotation};
for (Pattern P : this.__AllowedPatterns) {
for (String rotation : Rotations) {
char CurrentSymbol = this.__GetCell(Row, Column).GetSymbol();
if (P.MatchesPattern(rotation, CurrentSymbol)) {
this.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
this.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol);
return 10;
}
}
}
} catch (Exception e) {
// Handle exception
}
}
}
return 0;
}
Python def CheckforMatchWithPattern(self, Row, Column):
for StartRow in range(Row + 2, Row - 1, -1):
for StartColumn in range(Column - 2, Column + 1):
try:
PatternString = ""
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
LeftRotation = PatternString[6:8] + PatternString[:6]+PatternString[8]
RightRotation = PatternString[2:8] + PatternString[0:2] + PatternString[8]
DownRotation = PatternString[4:8] + PatternString[:4] + PatternString[8]
Rotations = [PatternString, LeftRotation, RightRotation, DownRotation]
for P in self.__AllowedPatterns:
for rotation in Rotations:
CurrentSymbol = self.__GetCell(Row, Column).GetSymbol()
if P.MatchesPattern(rotation, CurrentSymbol):
self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
return 10
except:
pass
return 0
VB.NET
Public Overridable Function CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row As Integer, Column As Integer) As Integer
For StartRow = Row + 2 To Row Step -1
For StartColumn = Column - 2 To Column
Try
Dim PatternString As String = ""
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString &= GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
For Each P In AllowedPatterns
Dim CurrentSymbol As String = GetCell(Row, Column).GetSymbol()
If P.MatchesPattern(PatternString, CurrentSymbol) Then
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
Return 10
End If
Dim angles = New Integer() {90, 180, 270}
For Each i As Integer In angles
If P.MatchesPatternRotated(PatternString, CurrentSymbol, i) Then
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
Return 15
End If
Next
Next
Catch
End Try
Next
Next
Return 0
End Function
Public Function MatchesPatternRotated(PatternString As String, SymbolPlaced As String, Rotation As Integer) As Boolean
If (SymbolPlaced <> Symbol) Then
Return False
End If
Dim RotatedSequence As String = ""
Select Case Rotation
Case 90
RotatedSequence = GetPatternSequence().Substring(6, 2) + GetPatternSequence().Substring(0, 6) + GetPatternSequence.Substring(8, 1)
'Case 180
'... with substring 44 04 81...>
End Select
For count = 0 To PatternSequence.Length - 1
If RotatedSequence(count).ToString() = SymbolPlaced And PatternString(count).ToString() <> Symbol Then
Return False
End If
Next
Return True
End Function
Question 7 - Game difficulty setting [12 marks]
Offer 'game difficulty' setting to change level of game (with greater number of blocked cells)
(Important -> probably lower mark question than 11 marks, e.g. 4 mark question)
C#
public Puzzle(int Size, int StartSymbols)
{
Score = 0;
SymbolsLeft = StartSymbols;
GridSize = Size;
Grid = new List<Cell>();
// new code for question 5
int notBlockedChance;
Console.WriteLine("Would you like the difficulty to be easy (E), medium(M), hard(H) or extremely hard (EH)?");
string difficulty = Console.ReadLine();
if (difficulty.ToUpper() == "EH")
{
notBlockedChance = 50; //these values are just an example and can be modified
}
else if (difficulty.ToUpper() == "H")
{
notBlockedChance = 60;
}
else if (difficulty.ToUpper() == "M")
{
notBlockedChance = 75;
}
else
{
notBlockedChance = 90;
}
for (var Count = 1; Count <= GridSize * GridSize; Count++)
{
Cell C;
if (Rng.Next(1, 101) < notBlockedChance)
//end of new code for question 5
{
C = new Cell();
}
else
{
C = new BlockedCell();
}
Grid.Add(C);
}
AllowedPatterns = new List<Pattern>();
AllowedSymbols = new List<string>();
Pattern QPattern = new Pattern("Q", "QQ**Q**QQ");
AllowedPatterns.Add(QPattern);
AllowedSymbols.Add("Q");
Pattern XPattern = new Pattern("X", "X*X*X*X*X");
AllowedPatterns.Add(XPattern);
AllowedSymbols.Add("X");
Pattern TPattern = new Pattern("T", "TTT**T**T");
AllowedPatterns.Add(TPattern);
AllowedSymbols.Add("T");
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
public class PuzzleSP {
public static void main(String[] args) {
String again = "y";
int score;
while (again.equals("y")) {
Console.write("Press Enter to start a standard puzzle or enter name of file to load: ");
String filename = Console.readLine();
Puzzle myPuzzle;
if (filename.length() > 0) {
myPuzzle = new Puzzle(filename + ".txt");
} else {
//start of altered code
Console.writeLine("enter a difficulty (1-3 easy to hard): ");
int dif = Integer.parseInt(Console.readLine());
if(dif < 1 || dif > 3) {
dif = 2;
}
myPuzzle = new Puzzle(8, (int)(8 * 8 * 0.6), dif);
//end of altered code
}
score = myPuzzle.attemptPuzzle();
Console.writeLine("Puzzle finished. Your score was: " + score);
Console.write("Do another puzzle? ");
again = Console.readLine().toLowerCase();
}
Console.readLine();
}
}
public Puzzle(int size, int startSymbols, int difficulty) { //add difficulty setting
score = 0;
symbolsLeft = startSymbols;
gridSize = size;
grid = new ArrayList<>();
for (int count = 1; count < gridSize * gridSize + 1; count++) {
Cell c;
int num = 0;
//start of altered code
if(difficulty == 1) {
num = 90;
}
else if(difficulty == 2) {
num = 70;
}
else if(difficulty == 3) {
num = 50;
}
//the lower num is, the more difficult the game will be.
if (getRandomInt(1, 101) < num) {
c = new Cell();
} else {
c = new BlockedCell();
}
grid.add(c);
//end of altered code
}
Pythonclass Puzzle():
def __init__(self, *args):
if len(args) == 1:
self.__Score = 0
self.__SymbolsLeft = 0
self.__GridSize = 0
self.__Grid = []
self.__AllowedPatterns = []
self.__AllowedSymbols = []
self.__LoadPuzzle(args[0])
else:
self.__Score = 0
self.__SymbolsLeft = args[1]
self.__GridSize = args[0]
self.__Grid = []
print("1: Easy, 2: Normal, 3: Hard")
difficulty = ""
while not (difficulty == "1" or difficulty == "2" or difficulty == "3") or not difficulty.isdigit():
difficulty = input("Enter a difficulty")
difficulty = int(difficulty)
difficulties = {1:95 , 2:80 , 3:65} #modify these values to change difficulties
for Count in range(1, self.__GridSize * self.__GridSize + 1):
if random.randrange(1, 101) < difficulties[difficulty]:
C = Cell()
else:
C = BlockedCell()
self.__Grid.append(C)
self.__AllowedPatterns = []
self.__AllowedSymbols = []
QPattern = Pattern("Q", "QQ**Q**QQ")
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(QPattern)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("Q")
XPattern = Pattern("X", "X*X*X*X*X")
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(XPattern)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("X")
TPattern = Pattern("T", "TTT**T**T")
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(TPattern)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("T")
## OR
###Adds ability for users to create new puzzle with custom gridsize and Difficulty ###(increase percentile of grid that is blocked, up to 90%)
def Main():
Again = "y"
Score = 0
while Again == "y":
Filename = input("Press Enter to start a standard puzzle or enter name of file to load: ")
if len(Filename) > 0:
MyPuzzle = Puzzle(Filename + ".txt")
else:
GrS = 0
diff = 0
while GrS < 3 or GrS > 16:
GrS = int(input("Input Desired Gridsize (i.e. 5 = 5x5 grid)"))
while diff <= 0 or diff > 9:
diff = int(input("Input Desired Difficulty 1-9"))
diff = diff/10
diff = 1-diff
MyPuzzle = Puzzle(GrS, int(GrS * GrS * diff))
Score = MyPuzzle.AttemptPuzzle()
print("Puzzle finished. Your score was: " + str(Score))
Again = input("Do another puzzle? ").lower() # add (y/n)
VB.NET Difficulty based on number of moves available
Sub Main()
Dim Again As String = "y"
Dim Score As Integer
While Again = "y"
Console.Write("Press Enter to start a standard puzzle or enter name of file to load: ")
Dim Filename As String = Console.ReadLine()
'ADDED CODE - checks that the filename entered has a file existing in the DEBUG folder
Dim fileExists As Boolean = False
Dim FullFilename As String = Filename & ".txt"
If FileIO.FileSystem.FileExists(FullFilename) Then
fileExists = True
End If
'AMENDED CODE - the if statement changed to use the boolean value above instead of
'using the text length
Dim MyPuzzle As Puzzle
If fileExists Then
MyPuzzle = New Puzzle(Filename & ".txt")
Else
'ADDED CODE
Dim Dif As Integer
Do
Console.WriteLine("Enter a difficulty rating from 1-9")
Dif = Console.ReadLine
Loop Until Dif >= 1 And Dif < 10
'AMENDED CODE - difficulty rating affects the numbner of moves available
MyPuzzle = New Puzzle(8, Int(8 * 8 * (1 - (0.1 * Dif))))
End If
Score = MyPuzzle.AttemptPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine("Puzzle finished. Your score was: " & Score)
Console.Write("Do another puzzle? ")
Again = Console.ReadLine().ToLower()
End While
Console.ReadLine()
End Sub
-> Other Implementation (could be interpreted many ways):
Class Puzzle
Private Score As Integer
Private SymbolsLeft As Integer
Private GridSize As Integer
Private Grid As List(Of Cell)
Private AllowedPatterns As List(Of Pattern)
Private AllowedSymbols As List(Of String)
Sub New(Filename As String)
Grid = New List(Of Cell)
AllowedPatterns = New List(Of Pattern)
AllowedSymbols = New List(Of String)
LoadPuzzle(Filename)
End Sub
Sub New(Size As Integer, StartSymbols As Integer)
Score = 0
SymbolsLeft = StartSymbols
GridSize = Size
Grid = New List(Of Cell)
'START CHANGE HERE
Dim difficulty As Integer = -1
While difficulty < 1 OrElse difficulty > 9
Console.WriteLine("Enter a difficulty rating from 1-9")
difficulty = Console.ReadLine()
End While
For Count = 1 To GridSize * GridSize
Dim C As Cell
If Rng.Next(1, 101) < (10 * (10 - difficulty)) Then
C = New Cell()
Else
C = New BlockedCell()
End If
Grid.Add(C)
Next
'STOP CHANGE HERE
AllowedPatterns = New List(Of Pattern)
AllowedSymbols = New List(Of String)
Dim QPattern As Pattern = New Pattern("Q", "QQ**Q**QQ")
AllowedPatterns.Add(QPattern)
AllowedSymbols.Add("Q")
Dim XPattern As Pattern = New Pattern("X", "X*X*X*X*X")
AllowedPatterns.Add(XPattern)
AllowedSymbols.Add("X")
Dim TPattern As Pattern = New Pattern("T", "TTT**T**T")
AllowedPatterns.Add(TPattern)
AllowedSymbols.Add("T")
End Sub
Question 8 - Fix symbols placed error [1 mark]
When you try place a symbol in a invalid cell it still counts as a placed cell towards the amount of symbols placed.
C#
public virtual int AttemptPuzzle()
{
bool Finished = false;
while (!Finished)
{
DisplayPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " + Score);
bool Valid = false;
int Row = -1;
while (!Valid)
{
Console.Write("Enter row number: ");
try
{
Row = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
Valid = true;
}
catch
{
}
}
int Column = -1;
Valid = false;
while (!Valid)
{
Console.Write("Enter column number: ");
try
{
Column = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
Valid = true;
}
catch
{
}
}
string Symbol = GetSymbolFromUser();
//SymbolsLeft -= 1; => moved inside the IF statement
Cell CurrentCell = GetCell(Row, Column);
if (CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol))
{
SymbolsLeft -= 1; //moved inside if statement to fix error
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol);
int AmountToAddToScore = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column);
if (AmountToAddToScore > 0)
{
Score += AmountToAddToScore;
}
}
if (SymbolsLeft == 0)
{
Finished = true;
}
}
Console.WriteLine();
DisplayPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine();
return Score;
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
Python def AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
Row = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Row = int(input("Enter row number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Column = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Column = int(input("Enter column number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Symbol = self.__GetSymbolFromUser()
# self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1 moving this line inside of the if statement
CurrentCell = self.__GetCell(Row, Column)
if CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) and CurrentCell.IsEmpty() == True: # added to make sure that the cell is empty as well before adding to that cell
self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1 # moved into the if statement
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
AmountToAddToScore = self.CheckforMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
if self.__SymbolsLeft == 0:
Finished = True
print()
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print()
return self.__Score
VB.NET
Public Overridable Function AttemptPuzzle() As Integer
Dim Finished As Boolean = False
While Not Finished
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " & Score)
Dim Valid As Boolean = False
Dim Row As Integer = -1
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter row number: ")
Try
Row = Console.ReadLine()
Valid = True
Catch
End Try
End While
Dim Column As Integer = -1
Valid = False
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter column number: ")
Try
Column = Console.ReadLine()
Valid = True
Catch
End Try
End While
Dim Symbol As String = GetSymbolFromUser()
'START CHANGE
'SymbolsLeft -= 1 -> moved from this old place
Dim CurrentCell As Cell = GetCell(Row, Column)
If CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) Then
SymbolsLeft -= 1 'to here, inside the if statement to only substract ammount of symbol left if it was not placed on a blocked cell
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
Dim AmountToAddToScore As Integer = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
If AmountToAddToScore > 0 Then
Score += AmountToAddToScore
End If
End If
'END CHANGE
If SymbolsLeft = 0 Then
Finished = True
End If
End While
Console.WriteLine()
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine()
Return Score
End Function
Question 9 - Create a new puzzle file to be imported [5 marks]
Create a new puzzle file to be imported into the code for the user to play:
C#
## annotated puzzle file, so parameters can be altered as needed
4 #number of accepted symbols
Q
T
X
O #new symbols can be added here, like so
4 #number of accepted patterns
Q,QQ**Q**QQ
X,X*X*X*X*X
T,TTT**T**T
O,OOOOOOOO* #new patterns can be added here (in proper format), like so
5 #grid size (if size = x, grid is x by x). number of entries (below) should match grid size (5 * 5 = 25 in this case)
Q,Q #First symbol is symbol on board, second symbol is symbols not allowed on that grid
Q,Q
@,Q
,
,
Q,Q
Q,Q
,Q #eg denotes an empty space, but symbol Q is not allowed
,
,
,
X,Q
Q,Q
X,
,
,
,
X,
,
,
,
X,
,
,
,
10 #starting score
1 #number of moves
Delphi/Pascal
Java
Python## annotated puzzle file, so parameters can be altered as needed
4 #number of accepted symbols
Q
T
X
O #new symbols can be added here, like so
4 #number of accepted patterns
Q,QQ**Q**QQ
X,X*X*X*X*X
T,TTT**T**T
O,OOOOOOOO* #new patterns can be added here (in proper format), like so
5 #grid size (if size = x, grid is x by x). number of entries (below) should match grid size (5 * 5 = 25 in this case)
Q,Q #First symbol is symbol on board, second symbol is symbols not allowed on that grid
Q,Q
@,Q
,
,
Q,Q
Q,Q
,Q #eg denotes an empty space, but symbol Q is not allowed
,
,
,
X,Q
Q,Q
X,
,
,
,
X,
,
,
,
X,
,
,
,
10 #starting score
1 #number of moves
VB.NET
Question 10 - Be able to undo a move [10 marks]
Alter the attemptPuzzle subroutine such that the user is asked if they wish to undo their last move prior to the place in the loop where there is a check for symbolsLeft being equal to zero. Warn them that this will lose them 3 points.
If the player chooses to undo:
a. revert the grid back to its original state
b. ensure symbolsLeft has the correct value
c. ensure score reverts to its original value minus the 3 point undo penalty
d. ensure any changes made to a cell’s symbolsNotAllowed list are undone as required
C#
while (!Valid)
{
Console.Write("Enter column number: ");
try
{
Column = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
Valid = true;
}
catch
{
}
}
string Symbol = GetSymbolFromUser();
SymbolsLeft -= 1;
// change - required in case we need to undo
int previousScore = Score;
// this is where the game is updated
Cell CurrentCell = GetCell(Row, Column);
if (CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol))
{
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol);
int AmountToAddToScore = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column);
if (AmountToAddToScore > 0)
{
Score += AmountToAddToScore;
}
}
// changed code in AttemptPuzzle here
DisplayPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " + Score);
Console.Write("Do you want to undo (cost 3 points)? y/n: ");
string answer = Console.ReadLine();
if (answer == "y" || answer == "Y")
{
// undo
Cell currentCell = GetCell(Row, Column);
currentCell.RemoveSymbol(Symbol);
Score = previousScore - 3;
SymbolsLeft += 1;
}
// end change
if (SymbolsLeft == 0)
{
Finished = true;
}
}
Console.WriteLine();
DisplayPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine();
return Score;
}
// added to cell class so that the symbol can be removed if an
// undo is required
public virtual void RemoveSymbol(string SymbolToRemove)
{
Symbol = "";
SymbolsNotAllowed.Remove(SymbolToRemove);
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
//Add two atributes in puzzle to store the start position of the last pattern matched
class Puzzle {
private int score;
private int symbolsLeft;
private int gridSize;
private List<Cell> grid;
private List<Pattern> allowedPatterns;
private List<String> allowedSymbols;
private static Random rng = new Random();
private int patternStartRow;
private int patternStartColumn;
// Add a subroutine to the cell class to allow removal from the notAllowedSymbol list
public void removeLastNotAllowedSymbols() {
int size = symbolsNotAllowed.size();
if (size > 0) {
symbolsNotAllowed.remove(size - 1);
}
}
// Alter checkForMatchWithPattern to store the start row and column of any successfully matched pattern
//...
if (p.matchesPattern(patternString, currentSymbol)) {
patternStartRow = startRow;
patternStartColumn = startColumn;
//...etc
//The altered attemptPuzzle subroutine
public int attemptPuzzle() {
boolean finished = false;
while (!finished) {
displayPuzzle();
Console.writeLine("Current score: " + score);
int row = -1;
boolean valid = false;
while (!valid) {
Console.write("Enter row number: ");
try {
row = Integer.parseInt(Console.readLine());
valid = true;
} catch (Exception e) {
}
}
int column = -1;
valid = false;
while (!valid) {
Console.write("Enter column number: ");
try {
column = Integer.parseInt(Console.readLine());
valid = true;
} catch (Exception e) {
}
}
//Set up variables to store the current game state in
// case of an UNDO
int undoScore = score;
int undoSymbolsLeft = symbolsLeft;
String undoSymbol = getCell(row, column).getSymbol();
String symbol = getSymbolFromUser();
symbolsLeft -= 1;
Cell currentCell = getCell(row, column);
if (currentCell.checkSymbolAllowed(symbol)) {
currentCell.changeSymbolInCell(symbol);
int amountToAddToScore = checkForMatchWithPattern(row, column);
if (amountToAddToScore > 0) {
score += amountToAddToScore;
}
}
//Prompt the user if they wish to undo
Console.println(" Do you wish to undo your last move? It will cost you 3 points (y/n): ");
String choice = Console.readLine();
if (choice.equals("y")) {
if (score != undoScore) { //A pattern has been matched
//The symbolsNotAllowed list may have changed for some cells - the current symbol needs
// removing from the end of each list
getCell(patternStartRow, patternStartColumn).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow, patternStartColumn + 1).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow, patternStartColumn + 2).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow - 1, patternStartColumn + 2).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow - 2, patternStartColumn + 2).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow - 2, patternStartColumn + 1).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow - 2, patternStartColumn).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow - 1, patternStartColumn).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
getCell(patternStartRow - 1, patternStartColumn + 1).removeLastNotAllowedSymbols();
}
score = undoScore - 3;
symbolsLeft = undoSymbolsLeft;
currentCell.changeSymbolInCell(undoSymbol);
}
if (symbolsLeft == 0) {
finished = true;
}
}
Console.writeLine();
displayPuzzle();
Console.writeLine();
return score;
}
Python def AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
Row = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Row = int(input("Enter row number: "))
if Row in range(1, self.__GridSize+1):
Valid = True
except:
pass
Column = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Column = int(input("Enter column number: "))
if Column in range(1, self.__GridSize+1):
Valid = True
except:
pass
# CHANGES START HERE
Symbol = self.__GetSymbolFromUser()
undo_symbolsleft = self.__SymbolsLeft
self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1
CurrentCell = self.__GetCell(Row, Column)
undo_cellsymbol = CurrentCell.GetSymbol()
undo_score = self.__Score
if CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol):
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
AmountToAddToScore = self.CheckforMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
undo = input('Would you like to undo your move? You will lose 3 points. Y/N: ')
if undo.upper() == 'Y':
self.__Score = undo_score - 3
self.__SymbolsLeft = undo_symbolsleft
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(undo_cellsymbol)
# CHANGES END HERE
if self.__SymbolsLeft == 0:
Finished = True
print()
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print()
return self.__Score
def AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
Row = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Row = int(input("Enter row number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Column = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Column = int(input("Enter column number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Symbol = self.__GetSymbolFromUser()
CurrentCell = self.__GetCell(Row, Column)
UndoList = self.SaveForUndo(Symbol, CurrentCell, Row, Column) # Changed
if CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol):
self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1 # Changed
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
AmountToAddToScore = self.CheckforMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
print() # Changed
self.DisplayPuzzle() # Changed
print() # Changed
Choice = input("Would you like to undo last move? (Y/N) ").lower() # Changed
if Choice.lower() == "y": # Changed
self.__SymbolsLeft = int(UndoList[0]) # Changed
CurrentCell._Symbol = UndoList[2] # Changed
self.__Score = int(UndoList[3]) - 3 # Changed
for n in range(0, (len(self.__Grid)-1)): # Changed
if UndoList[1] in self.__Grid[n]._Cell__SymbolsNotAllowed: # Changed
self.__Grid[n].RemoveFromNotAllowedSymbols(UndoList[1]) # Changed
if self.__SymbolsLeft == 0:
Finished = True
#Added methods used in edited AttemptPuzzle
def SaveForUndo(self,Symbol, Cell, Row, Column):
List = []
List.append(str(self.__SymbolsLeft))
List.append(str(Symbol))
List.append(str(Cell._Symbol))
List.append(str(self.__Score))
for n in range(0, len(self.__Grid)):
List.append(self.__Grid[n]._Cell__SymbolsNotAllowed)
return List
def RemoveFromNotAllowedSymbols(self, SymbolToRemove):
self.__SymbolsNotAllowed.remove(SymbolToRemove)
VB.NET
Public Overridable Function AttemptPuzzle() As Integer
Dim Finished As Boolean = False
Dim CurrentCell As Cell
Dim Symbol As String
Dim previous_score As Integer
While Not Finished
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " & Score)
Dim Valid As Boolean = False
Dim Row As Integer = -1
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter row number: ")
Try
Row = Console.ReadLine()
Valid = True
Catch
End Try
End While
Dim Column As Integer = -1
Valid = False
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter column number: ")
Try
Column = Console.ReadLine()
Valid = True
Catch
End Try
End While
Symbol = GetSymbolFromUser()
SymbolsLeft -= 1
'FIRST CHANGE HERE
previous_score = Score
CurrentCell = GetCell(Row, Column)
If CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) Then
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
Dim AmountToAddToScore As Integer = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
If AmountToAddToScore > 0 Then
Score += AmountToAddToScore
End If
End If
'SECOND CHANGE HERE
If previous_score >= 3 Then
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " & Score)
Console.WriteLine()
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine()
Console.WriteLine("Do you want to undo the last change (cost 3 points)? (Y/N) ")
Dim answer_input As Char = UCase(Console.ReadLine())
If answer_input = "Y" Then
CurrentCell.RemoveSymbol(Symbol)
Score = previous_score - 3
SymbolsLeft += 1
End If
End If
'UNTIL HERE
If SymbolsLeft = 0 Then
Finished = True
End If
End While
Console.WriteLine()
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine()
Return Score
End Function
Class Cell
Protected Symbol As String
Private SymbolsNotAllowed As List(Of String)
Sub New()
Symbol = ""
SymbolsNotAllowed = New List(Of String)
End Sub
'LAST CHANGE HERE
Public Sub RemoveSymbol(Symbol_to_remove As String)
Symbol = ""
SymbolsNotAllowed.Remove(Symbol_to_remove)
End Sub
' END OF CHANGE
...
Question 11- Validation of Row and Column entries [5 marks]
Description of problem: Validate row and column number entries to only allow numbers within the grid size.
C#
public virtual int AttemptPuzzle()
{
bool Finished = false;
while (!Finished)
{
DisplayPuzzle();
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " + Score);
bool Valid = false;
int Row = -1;
while (!Valid)
{
Console.Write("Enter row number: ");
try
{
Row = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
// change to validate row
if (Row > 0 && Row <= GridSize)
{
Valid = true;
}
}
catch
{
}
}
int Column = -1;
Valid = false;
while (!Valid)
{
Console.Write("Enter column number: ");
try
{
Column = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
// validate column
if (Column > 0 && Column <= GridSize)
{
Valid = true;
}
}
catch
{
}
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
public int attemptPuzzle() {
boolean finished = false;
while (!finished) {
displayPuzzle();
Console.writeLine("Current score: " + score);
int row = -1;
boolean valid = false;
while (!valid) {
Console.write("Enter row number: ");
try {
row = Integer.parseInt(Console.readLine());
if(row>=1&&row<=gridSize){ //new check
valid = true;
}
} catch (Exception e) {
}
}
int column = -1;
valid = false;
while (!valid) {
Console.write("Enter column number: ");
try {
column = Integer.parseInt(Console.readLine());
if (column>=1&&column<=gridSize){ //new check
valid = true;
}
} catch (Exception e) {
}
}
String symbol = getSymbolFromUser();
symbolsLeft -= 1;
//etc....
Pythondef AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
Row = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
Row = int(input("Enter row number: "))
if Row > self.__GridSize or Row <= 0:
print("Invalid Row number\nPlease try again\n")
continue
else:
Valid = True
Column = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
Column = int(input("Enter column number: "))
if Column > self.__GridSize or Column <= 0:
print("Invalid Column number\nPlease try again\n")
continue
else:
Valid = True
Symbol = self.__GetSymbolFromUser()
self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1
CurrentCell = self.__GetCell(Row, Column)
if CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol):
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
AmountToAddToScore = self.CheckforMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
if self.__SymbolsLeft == 0:
Finished = True
print()
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print()
return self.__Score
VB.NET
Public Overridable Function AttemptPuzzle() As Integer
Dim Finished As Boolean = False
While Not Finished
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine("Current score: " & Score)
Dim Valid As Boolean = False
Dim Row As Integer = -1
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter row number: ")
'CHANGE HERE
Try
Row = Console.ReadLine()
If Row > 0 AndAlso Row <= GridSize Then
Valid = True
End If
Catch
'END CHANGE
End Try
End While
Dim Column As Integer = -1
Valid = False
While Not Valid
Console.Write("Enter column number: ")
'CHANGE HERE
Try
Column = Console.ReadLine()
If Column > 0 AndAlso Column <= GridSize Then
Valid = True
End If
Catch
'END CHANGE
End Try
End While
Dim Symbol As String = GetSymbolFromUser()
SymbolsLeft -= 1
Dim CurrentCell As Cell = GetCell(Row, Column)
If CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) Then
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
Dim AmountToAddToScore As Integer = CheckForMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
If AmountToAddToScore > 0 Then
Score += AmountToAddToScore
End If
End If
If SymbolsLeft = 0 Then
Finished = True
End If
End While
Console.WriteLine()
DisplayPuzzle()
Console.WriteLine()
Return Score
End Function
Question 12 - Why is UpdateCell() empty and never called?
Description of problem: Currently, the UpdateCell() method contains 'pass' and is not called anywhere in the program. This will almost certainly be a question, otherwise why would they include it? This may relate to the bombing idea where a Blocked Cell is bombed, and the UpdateCell() is then called to modify this Blocked Cell into a normal cell. Please suggest other ideas of what this method could be used for. Its probably used for changing a blocked cell in a pattern to a normal cell to complete a pattern.
UpdateCell() could be used for unlocking a 3*3 grid if a pattern is broken allowing you to replace the symbol. This would also need to decrease the score after the pattern is broken.
C#There are no logical errors with GetCell() as the following extract will prove
public virtual int AttemptPuzzle()
{
bool Finished = false;
while (!Finished)
{
DisplayPuzzle();
// row
for (int row = 8; row >= 1; row--)
{
for (int col = 1; col <= 8; col++)
{
Cell cell = GetCell(row, col);
Console.Write(cell.GetSymbol() + " : ");
}
Console.Write(Environment.NewLine);
}
However, if row and column values beyond that of the grid are entered, errors will occur. See solution for Question 12 to solve this issue.
Delphi/Pascal
Java
Python
VB.NET
Question 13 - Implement a wildcard *
Implement a special character * which is a wildcard. The wildcard can be used to represent any character so that multiple matches can be made with the same cell. Give the player 3 wildcards in random positions at the start of the game.
a) Alter the standard Puzzle constructor (not the load game one) to call ChangeSymbolInCell for 3 random cells, passing in * as the new symbol. Note that blocked cells cannot be changed to wildcard ones so you need to add code to ensure the randomly selected cell is not a blocked cell.
b) In class Cell alter the method. ChangeSymbolInCell such that wildcard cells will never have their symbol changed from * once set. In the same class, alter method CheckSymbolAllowed such that wildcard cells always return true.
c) Alter method MatchesPattern in class Pattern to allow correct operation for the new wildcard *
d) Test that a wildcard can successfully match within two different patternsC#
class Puzzle
{
// add property to Puzzle to give 3 wildcards
private int NumWildcards = 3;
// ensure GetSymbolFromUser will accept wildcard
private string GetSymbolFromUser()
{
string Symbol = "";
// take into account the wildcard symbol
while (!AllowedSymbols.Contains(Symbol) && Symbol != "*" && NumWildcards > 0)
{
Console.Write("Enter symbol: ");
Symbol = Console.ReadLine();
}
// only allow three wildcards
if (Symbol == "*")
{
NumWildcards--;
}
return Symbol;
}
// modify Matches Pattern
public virtual bool MatchesPattern(string PatternString, string SymbolPlaced)
{
// ensure that wildcards are taken into account
if (SymbolPlaced != Symbol && SymbolPlaced != "*")
{
return false;
}
for (var Count = 0; Count < PatternSequence.Length; Count++)
{
// ignore wildcard symbols as these all count
if (PatternString[Count] == '*')
{
continue;
}
if (PatternSequence[Count].ToString() == Symbol && PatternString[Count].ToString() != Symbol)
{
return false;
}
}
return true;
}
Delphi/Pascal
Java
//after the grid is initialised in puzzle:
int gridLength = grid.size();
for (int i=0;i<3;i++){
//Get random cell
int randcell = getRandomInt(0,gridLength-1);
if (!grid.get(randcell).getSymbol().equals("@")){
grid.get(randcell).changeSymbolInCell("*");
}
}
// From Cell class:
public void changeSymbolInCell(String newSymbol) {
if (!symbol.equals("*")){
symbol = newSymbol;
}
}
public boolean checkSymbolAllowed(String symbolToCheck) {
if (!symbol.equals("*")){
for (String item : symbolsNotAllowed) {
if (item.equals(symbolToCheck)) {
return false;
}
}
}
return true;
}
//Pattern class
public boolean matchesPattern(String patternString, String symbolPlaced) {
Console.println("This pattern sequence: "+patternSequence+ "Passed in PatternString: "+patternString+ "Symbol:"+ symbolPlaced);
if (!symbolPlaced.equals(symbol)) {
return false;
} else {
for (int count = 0; count < patternSequence.length(); count++) {
if (patternSequence.charAt(count) == symbol.charAt(0) && patternString.charAt(count) != symbol.charAt(0)) {
if (patternString.charAt(count)!='*'){ //only return false if not a wildcard
return false;
}
}
}
}
return true;
}
PythonChange no. 1:
while self.__wildcards_left > 0:
SymbolGridCheck = self.__Grid[random.randint(0, len(self.__Grid))]
if SymbolGridCheck.GetSymbol() != "W":
SymbolGridCheck.ChangeSymbolInCell("W")
self.__wildcards_left -= 1
Change no. 2:
def MatchesPattern(self, PatternString, SymbolPlaced):
if self.__Symbol == "W":
...
elif SymbolPlaced != self.__Symbol:
return False
for Count in range(0, len(self.__PatternSequence)):
try:
if self.__PatternSequence[Count] == self.__Symbol and PatternString[Count] == "W":
...
elif self.__PatternSequence[Count] == self.__Symbol and PatternString[Count] != self.__Symbol:
return False
except Exception as ex:
print(f"EXCEPTION in MatchesPattern: {ex}")
return True
Change no. 3:
def ChangeSymbolInCell(self, NewSymbol):
if self._Symbol == "W":
...
else:
self._Symbol = NewSymbol
def CheckSymbolAllowed(self, SymbolToCheck):
for Item in self.__SymbolsNotAllowed:
if Item == "W":
...
elif Item == SymbolToCheck:
return False
return True
by Sami Albizreh
VB.NET
Question 14 - Program allows the user to replace already placed symbols [9 marks]
the user can replace already placed symbols, and patterns, and not lose points (can fix either by stopping them replacing, or make them lose the points from the pattern the replaced):
C#
Delphi/Pascal
Java
Python def AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
Row = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Row = int(input("Enter row number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Column = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Column = int(input("Enter column number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Symbol = self.__GetSymbolFromUser()
self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1
CurrentCell = self.__GetCell(Row, Column)
if CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol) and CurrentCell.GetSymbol() == "-": #And added to check that the cell is empty so that cells cannot be placed on top of each other
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
AmountToAddToScore = self.CheckforMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
if self.__SymbolsLeft == 0:
Finished = True
print()
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print()
return self.__Score
VB.NET
Question 15 - Program allows the user to create their own patterns and symbols [6 marks]
Description of problem:
1) request the user to create their own symbols
2) request the pattern associated with the symbol
3) output an empty grid for the user, so the user can input any coordinates to create their own pattern
4) make sure new symbols and pattern can be verified by the program
EDIT: this would involve changing a text file or creating a new text file - AQA has never told students to do anything text file-based
C#
Delphi/Pascal
Java
Python
# Change to the AttemptPuzzle function
def AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
# Change
CreatePattern = input('Would you like to make your own pattern? (y/n)\n').lower()
if CreatePattern == 'y':
self.makeNewPattern()
# End
# Creation of new function in the Pattern class
# Change
def makeNewPattern(self): # function is used to create new 3x3 patterns
symbolAllowed = False
while symbolAllowed != True:
newSymbol = input('Please enter a symbol you would like to add to the game:\n').upper()
if len(newSymbol) == 1: # making sure the length of the symbol entered is 1
symbolAllowed = True
else:
pass
patternAllowed = False
while patternAllowed != True:
newPattern = input('Please enter the new pattern (3x3):\n').upper()
new = True
for i in newPattern:
if i != f'{newSymbol}' and i != '*': # the code checks if the pattern only contains * and the symbol chosen
new = False
if len(newPattern) != 9: # making sure a 3x3 pattern is chosen
new = False
if new == True:
patternAllowed = True
patternName = Pattern(f'{newSymbol}',f'{newPattern}')
print(patternName.GetPatternSequence())
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(patternName)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append(newSymbol)
# code above is the same as in the __init__() section and adds the new patterns to the allowed patterns list
print('Would you like to make another pattern? (y/n)\n')
choice = input().lower()
if choice == 'y':
self.makeNewPattern()
# End
VB.NET
Question 16- Making a difficulty rating program
Description of problem:
1) this program can save each game in record including their score, number of symbols left, time to complete and the original empty grid
2) using these information to make a difficulty rating board, so the user can see their rating and select the one they want to play
C#
Delphi/Pascal
Java
Python
VB.NET
Question 19 - Advanced Wild Card [13 marks]
This questions refers to the class Puzzle. A new option of a wildcard is to be added to the game. When the player uses this option, they are given the opportunity to complete a pattern by overriding existing symbols to make that pattern. The wildcard can only be used once in a game.
Task 1:
Add a new option for the user that will appear before each turn. The user should be asked "Do you want to use your wildcard (Y/N)" If the user responds with "Y" then the Row, Column and Symbol will be taken as normal but then the new method ApplyWildcard should be called and the prompt for using the wildcard should no longer be shown in subsequent turns. If the user responds with "N" then the puzzle continues as normal.
Task 2:
Create a new method called ApplyWildcard that will take the Row, Column and Symbol as parameters and do the following:
1. Determine if the pattern can be completed in a 3x3 given the Row, Column and Symbol passed to it.
a) If the pattern can be made the cells in the pattern should be updated using the method UpdateCell() in the Cell class and 5 points added for move.
b) If the pattern cannot be made the user should be given the message "Sorry, the wildcard does not work for this cell – you have no wildcards left"C#
Delphi/Pascal
Java
Pythonclass Puzzle():
def __init__(self, *args):
if len(args) == 1:
self.__Score = 0
self.__SymbolsLeft = 0
self.__GridSize = 0
self.__Grid = []
self.__AllowedPatterns = []
self.__AllowedSymbols = []
self.__LoadPuzzle(args[0])
# Change
self.__WildCard = False
# End
else:
self.__Score = 0
self.__SymbolsLeft = args[1]
self.__GridSize = args[0]
self.__Grid = []
# Change
self.__WildCard = False
# End
for Count in range(1, self.__GridSize * self.__GridSize + 1):
if random.randrange(1, 101) < 90:
C = Cell()
else:
C = BlockedCell()
self.__Grid.append(C)
self.__AllowedPatterns = []
self.__AllowedSymbols = []
QPattern = Pattern("Q", "QQ**Q**QQ")
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(QPattern)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("Q")
XPattern = Pattern("X", "X*X*X*X*X")
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(XPattern)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("X")
TPattern = Pattern("T", "TTT**T**T")
self.__AllowedPatterns.append(TPattern)
self.__AllowedSymbols.append("T")
# Altercation of attempt puzzle class to ask the user if they would like to use their wildcard
def AttemptPuzzle(self):
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print("Current score: " + str(self.__Score))
# Change
wild = False
if self.__WildCard == False:
useWildCard = input('Would you like to use your wildcard (Y/N)?\n').upper()
if useWildCard == 'Y':
self.__WildCard = True
wild = True
Row = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Row = int(input("Enter row number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Column = -1
Valid = False
while not Valid:
try:
Column = int(input("Enter column number: "))
Valid = True
except:
pass
Symbol = self.__GetSymbolFromUser()
self.__SymbolsLeft -= 1
if wild == False:
CurrentCell = self.__GetCell(Row, Column)
if CurrentCell.CheckSymbolAllowed(Symbol):
CurrentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
AmountToAddToScore = self.CheckforMatchWithPattern(Row, Column)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
elif wild == True:
AmountToAddToScore = self.ApplyWildCard(Row,Column,Symbol)
if AmountToAddToScore > 0:
self.__Score += AmountToAddToScore
# End
if self.__SymbolsLeft == 0:
Finished = True
print()
self.DisplayPuzzle()
print()
return self.__Score
# Change - new function created to check if the symbol added is allowed and will create a new symbol
def ApplyWildCard(self, Row, Column, Symbol):
# Assuming the wildcard cannot be placed on a blocked cell as does not state
currentCell = self.__GetCell(Row,Column)
if currentCell.GetSymbol() != BlockedCell():
currentCell.ChangeSymbolInCell(Symbol)
for StartRow in range(Row + 2, Row - 1, -1):
for StartColumn in range(Column - 2, Column + 1):
try:
PatternString = ""
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).GetSymbol()
PatternString += self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).GetSymbol()
print(PatternString)
for P in self.__AllowedPatterns:
CurrentSymbol = self.__GetCell(Row, Column).GetSymbol()
if P.MatchesPattern(PatternString, CurrentSymbol):
self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 2).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 2, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
self.__GetCell(StartRow - 1, StartColumn + 1).AddToNotAllowedSymbols(CurrentSymbol)
print('Your wildcard has worked')
return 5
except:
pass
print('Sorry the wildcard does not work for this cell - you have no wildcards left')
return 0
# End
Question 20 - Shuffle all the blocked cells [9 marks]
Implement a feature where the user can shuffle the blocked cells around.
The new blocked cells cannot be in the same place as they were before
They cannot overlap a matched pattern or symbol placed
Python
def AttemptPuzzle(self):
#Start of Change
Finished = False
while not Finished:
self.DisplayPuzzle()
if input("Do you want to reshuffle all the blocked cells?[y/n]: ").lower() == 'y':
self.ReShuffleBlockedCells()
self.DisplayPuzzle()
#End of Change
def ReShuffleBlockedCells(self): #I've done this by creating a new method in the Puzzle class
indexstore = []
for i, cell in enumerate(self.__Grid):
if isinstance(cell, BlockedCell):
indexstore.append(i)
for num in indexstore:
checker = True
while checker:
a = random.randint(1, (self.__GridSize**2)-1)
if a not in indexstore:
if self.__Grid[a].IsEmpty():
checker = False
self.__Grid[num] = Cell()
self.__Grid[a] = BlockedCell()
Question 21 - A challenge option - where The letters the user has to place down will be randomly generated and if the user successfully does it they gain points otherwise they will lose points (10 marks)