Master the Scrambled Word Game with This Java Walk-through

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Programming Language
3. Selecting the Development Environment
4. Game Concept
5. Abstract Class and Client Classes
   • 5.1. Abstract Class Overview
   • 5.2. Client Class for Easy Level
   • 5.3. Client Class for Medium Level
   • 5.4. Client Class for Hard Level
6. The Shuffle Method
   • 6.1. Shuffle Method for Easy Level
   • 6.2. Shuffle Method for Medium Level
   • 6.3. Shuffle Method for Hard Level
7. The Check Guess Method
8. The Runner Class
9. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Hey there, it's Ava! Today, I want to talk to you about a project I worked on called the final project for AP Computer Science A. As a sophomore, I took this course last year, and for my final project, I decided to develop a game using Java programming language. In this article, I will walk you through the process of creating this game and explain its various components.

Choosing the Programming Language

When it came to selecting the programming language for my project, I chose Java. Java is a widely used and highly versatile programming language that offers a rich set of features and libraries. Moreover, as I was already familiar with Java from my coursework, it made sense to leverage my existing skills and knowledge.

Selecting the Development Environment

To develop my game, I opted to use the BlueJ development environment. BlueJ is a popular Java Integrated Development Environment (IDE) known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. It provided me with the necessary tools and features to write and debug my code efficiently.

Game Concept

The game I developed is a text-based space scrambled word game. The objective of the game is simple: the computer takes a word and scrambles it using a shuffle algorithm. The player's task is to unscramble the word and input their guess. If they guess correctly, they earn a point. However, if they guess incorrectly, they lose a life. The game consists of multiple levels, each with a different set of words and varying degrees of difficulty.

Abstract Class and Client Classes

To implement the game, I utilized an abstract class and three client classes. The abstract class serves as the foundation, defining common variables and methods that are shared across all levels of the game. Each client class corresponds to a different level of the scrambled word game.

Abstract Class Overview

The abstract class contains essential methods and variables necessary for gameplay. One of the key methods is the getXWord() method, which allows the user to retrieve the next word to guess after correctly guessing the previous one. Another important method is the showBlanks(), which displays the appropriate number of blanks corresponding to the letters in the word to assist the player in their guesses. Additionally, the abstract class includes the abstract scrambledWord() method, which is overridden in the client classes to provide distinct scrambling algorithms for each level. Finally, there is the checkGuess() method, which compares the user's guess with the actual word to determine if it is correct.

Client Class for Easy Level

The client class for the easy level of the game consists of words that have four to five letters. These words may also contain repeated letters, making it easier for players to guess the correct word. The scrambling algorithm employed in this level utilizes a less complex shuffle method, requiring fewer permutations to return to the original word.

Client Class for Medium Level

The client class for the medium level includes words that are slightly more challenging than those in the easy level. The words in this level also have four to five letters, but there are no repeated letters. The scrambling algorithm used in this level is slightly more complex, requiring more permutations to return to the initial word.

Client Class for Hard Level

In the hard level client class, the words to be guessed consist of six or more letters, and there are no repeated letters. This level offers the highest level of difficulty for players. The scramble method employed in this level is the most complex, requiring a significant number of permutations to transform the word into its scrambled form.

The Shuffle Method

The shuffle method is a crucial component of the game as it is responsible for scram...

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the AP Computer Science A final project was an exciting endeavor where I developed a text space scrambled word game using Java programming language. Throughout this article, I discussed the various aspects of the project, including the selection of the programming language, the development environment, and the implementation of the game's core functionality. By utilizing an abstract class and client classes, I was able to create distinct levels of difficulty and provide players with an engaging and challenging gaming experience. Working on this project not only helped me apply my programming skills but also provided me with valuable insights into game development methodologies. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that further fueled my passion for computer science.

Highlights

• Created a text-based space scrambled word game for AP Computer Science A final project
• Utilized Java programming language and BlueJ development environment
• Implemented different levels of difficulty using abstract class and client classes
• Provided shuffling algorithms for distinct levels of the game
• Developed engaging gameplay with scoring, lives, and level completion features
• Gained valuable insights into game development methodologies through the project

FAQ

Q: What programming language did you use for the game?

A: I used Java programming language for the development of the game.

Q: Can you explain how the scoring system works in the game?

A: Certainly! In the game, the player earns a point for each correct guess. However, for every incorrect guess, they lose a life. The player can finish a level by either accumulating 15 points or losing three lives.

Q: What is the difference between the easy, medium, and hard levels of the game?

A: The easy level consists of words with four to five letters, including repeated letters to make guessing easier. The medium level also has four to five-letter words but without any repeated letters. The hard level comprises words with six or more letters, with no letter repeats, providing the highest level of difficulty.

Q: Can the words in the game be guessed multiple times in the same level?

A: No, the words appear in a different order each time you play a level. This ensures that players can't get stuck on the same word and promotes variety in gameplay.

Q: Is there a high score feature in the game?

A: Yes, the game includes a high score feature. If your final score exceeds the current high score, it gets updated. Otherwise, the high score remains unchanged.