About.md

About MicroChess

MicroChess is a compact chess engine designed for Arduino-based embedded systems, operating within strict constraints of less than 2K RAM and 32K program flash. The project serves as an educational tool, demonstrating how to implement a turn-based game engine optimized for resource-constrained=constrained environments, making it ideal for Arduino developers, chess enthusiasts, and those interested in chess programming or algorithm optimization.

Purpose and Goals

MicroChess aims to:

• Showcase a complete chess engine that adheres to all standard chess rules, including special moves like castling, en passant, and pawn promotion.
• Demonstrate memory-efficient programming techniques, such as bit fields and optimized data structures, to fit within Arduino’s limited resources.
• Provide a practical example of advanced algorithms like minimax with alpha-beta pruning for efficient move evaluation.
• Offer an interactive experience via an 8x8 LED strip display and serial console for gameplay and debugging.
• Serve as an educational resource for learning about game engine design, embedded systems, and chess algorithms.

Technical Specifications

• Platform: Arduino (e.g., Arduino Uno, Nano) with <2K RAM and 32K program flash.
• Display: 8x8 LED strip using the FastLED library for visual board representation.
• Input/Output: Serial Monitor for move input (algebraic notation, e.g., "e2e4") and game state output.
• Algorithms: Minimax with alpha-beta pruning, optimized for performance within memory constraints.
• Features: Full chess rules, opening book, move generation, evaluation functions, and game state management.
• License: MIT License, allowing free use and modification (see License).

Target Audience

• Arduino Hobbyists: Those interested in building and programming embedded systems with visual outputs.
• Chess Programmers: Developers exploring chess engine design and optimization techniques.
• Educators and Students: Individuals studying game development, algorithms, or embedded programming.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Makers looking for a challenging and rewarding project combining hardware and software.

Why MicroChess?

MicroChess stands out for its ability to deliver a fully functional chess engine in an extremely constrained environment, making it a unique case study in optimization and design. Its open-source nature and comprehensive documentation (this wiki!) make it accessible for beginners and advanced developers alike.

For more details, explore the Installation guide to get started, or dive into the Code Structure for a technical overview.

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