How to Teach the Computer to Play Tic-Tac-Toe in Java

Create a Java game to teach your computer to play tic-tac-toe.

Java, a relatively simple computer programming language, allows users to create code for simple and complex games. If you wish to create a simple tic-tac-toe game on your computer, use Java to create a series of functions, variables and if statements that form a game. If you have advanced knowledge of Java, you can add a variety of extras to your game, such as pop-ups, a colored game board or a strategic artificial intelligence.

Instructions

1. Open the Java developer application you use and create a new project. Enter the appropriate start tags, such as "<Script>."

2. Lay out the tic-tac-toe game board. You must teach the computer where each square is and how to display the proper buttons and boxes. For example, write the code "Input Type = 'Button'" to tell the application the input you are using. Write ID= "POSITION" and Value = "" but replace "POSITION" with the relevant position of the square. For example, the first square is "0_0" because it as at 0 on the X and Y axis. The square in the opposite corner will be "2_2."

3. Program the mouse click action. For example, after the input for a button enter the code ONCLICK"="alert('Alert Message');" changing "Alert Message" to the message you wish to display.

4. Enter the code "function squareclicked(square)" then the code " { square.value = 'LETTER': } " but replace "LETTER" with either X or O.

5. Add a turn variable. Create a variable by writing "var value = square.value;" and create an if statement. Write " if(value != "LETTER" && value != 'OTHER LETTER' )" replacing the words with either X or O. As always, start your statement with a "{" and end it with a "}."

6. Add a command for the if statement by writing and additional if statement. Set up the statement so that the computer creates the appropriate letter on his square. Write something like "if (ComputerTurn) {square.value ='HUMAN PLAYER LETTER'; ComputerTurn = false }" then "else {square.value = 'COMPUTER PLAYER LETTER'; ComputerTurn = True;}" replacing the words with appropriate letters.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are working on a tic-tac-toe game as a homework assignment, use only original code.

References

• Mac Rumors: Coding a Tic Tac Toe Game in Java
• Code Call: Advanced Java Tutorial
• Science Buddies: Artificial Intelligence

Resources

• A Harris Books: Sample Java Code