This is a Gomoku game project developed as part of the 42 projects. The project includes both a backend and a frontend, with the backend written in Python and the frontend in TypeScript using React.

• Python
• Node.js
• npm

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/sboof911/Gomoku
   cd Gomoku

To build both the frontend and backend, run:

make build

This will:

• Create a virtual environment for the backend and install the dependencies.
• Build the frontend using npm.
• Package the backend using PyInstalle

To start the project, run:

make start

This will build the project and start the Gomoku executable.

To clean the build artifacts, run:

make clean

To perform a full clean, run:

make fclean

The AI for the Gomoku game is implemented using the Minimax algorithm with alpha-beta pruning. The AI logic is located in the ai directory and includes the following key components:

• Minimax Algorithm: The core of the AI is the Minimax algorithm, which is implemented in the minimax function. This function recursively evaluates possible moves to determine the best move for the AI player.

• Alpha-Beta Pruning: To optimize the Minimax algorithm, alpha-beta pruning is used to eliminate branches in the search tree that do not need to be explored. This helps in reducing the computation time.

• Heuristic Evaluation: The AI uses a heuristic evaluation function to score the board positions. This function is implemented in the heuristic_evaluation function and considers factors such as the number of stones in a row, potential captures, and free spaces.

• AI Manager: The AI_manager class manages the AI's decision-making process. It handles the initialization of the AI and determining the best move based on the Minimax algorithm.

• Memoization: To further optimize the AI, memoization is used to store previously computed board states and their evaluations. This helps in avoiding redundant calculations and speeds up the decision-making process.

The backend is located in the backend directory and includes:

• api: Contains the API logic for the game.
• ai: Contains the AI logic for the game, including heuristic evaluation and memoization.
• game : Contains the core game logic, including board representation, move validation, and game state management.
• settings: Contains configuration settings for the game, including game rules and server settings.
• server: The main server file.

The frontend is located in the render directory and includes:

• src: Contains the React components and main application logic.
• index: The main HTML file.
• package: The npm configuration file.