README.md

Ludo Game - Flask Backend

This project provides the backend for a Ludo game using Flask, SQLAlchemy, and a bit of JavaScript for the frontend.

Features

• Multiplayer: Supports 2-4 players.
• Game State Persistence: Stores game progress in a SQLite database for resuming later.
• Dice Rolls: Random dice generation for each turn.
• Piece Movement: Logic for moving pieces based on dice rolls.
• Attack/Capture: Basic capture mechanics when a player lands on another player's piece.
• Safe Spots: Designated spots where pieces cannot be captured.
• Winning Condition: Game ends when a player gets all four pieces home.

Installation

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone <your-repository-url>
   cd <your-repository-name>

2. Install Dependencies:

   pip install Flask Flask-CORS Flask-SQLAlchemy

3. Create the Database: The project will automatically create a SQLite database file (ludo_game.db) when you run it for the first time.

4. Run the Server:

   flask run

Frontend

A basic HTML and JavaScript frontend is included in the templates folder. It's a starting point for building a more interactive UI.

Code Structure

• app.py: Contains the Flask application logic, routes, and game logic.
• templates:
  • index.html: Starting page for the game.
  • game.html: Main game board display.
• static: (For future use) Will hold static assets like CSS and JavaScript files.

How to Play (Basic)

1. Visit http://localhost:5000/ in your browser.
2. Choose the number of players.
3. The game board will appear.
4. Click "Roll Dice" to start.
5. Follow on-screen instructions or the console output for your turn.

Code Refinements

• Session Management: Use flask_session for more secure session handling if needed.
• Error Handling: More robust error handling to prevent crashes and provide helpful messages to the user.
• Advanced Game Logic: Implement additional rules like stacking pieces, bonus rolls, and more strategic movement decisions.
• Frontend: Create a more engaging frontend using a modern JavaScript framework (e.g., React, Vue.js).
• Security: If you plan to make this a publicly accessible game, consider security measures like input validation and protection against vulnerabilities.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Feel free to open issues or submit pull requests.

Key Considerations

• Computer Players: Your code includes functionality for computer players (auto_choose_piece), but it might need refinement to make their decisions more intelligent.
• Game State Updates: Ensure that the frontend is updated with the latest game state after each move. This might involve using techniques like AJAX or WebSockets.
• Detailed Rules: Include a more thorough explanation of the game rules (especially for complex scenarios) in the README or within the game itself.