Project Overview

The Sudoku Solver and Player is a web-based game platform that allows users to play Sudoku puzzles interactively or use the system’s automated solver to get step-by-step solutions. The project blends logic-based puzzle solving, algorithm implementation, and interactive UI design. Players can choose difficulty levels, play against a timer, or request hints, while the backend manages puzzle generation, validation, and solving using efficient algorithms.

Key Features

1. User Authentication & Profiles

   • Players can register/login to track progress and completed puzzles.

   • Guest mode available for casual play.

2. Puzzle Generator

   • Automatic generation of Sudoku puzzles with varying difficulty: Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert.

   • Ensures unique and solvable puzzles.

3. Interactive Sudoku Board

   • 9x9 grid where players can fill numbers.

   • Validation for duplicate numbers in rows, columns, and boxes.

   • Pencil mode for temporary notes.

4. Sudoku Solver (Algorithmic)

   • Users can input any Sudoku puzzle.

   • Backend solves it instantly using Backtracking Algorithm / Constraint Propagation.

   • Option for step-by-step solving visualization.

5. Game Modes

   • Play Mode: Solve puzzles manually with hints and validation.

   • Solver Mode: Input unsolved Sudoku → system solves it.

   • Timed Challenge Mode: Beat the puzzle against the clock.

6. Hints & Validation

   • Hint system to reveal a correct number.

   • Validation to check if current entries are correct.

7. Leaderboard & Stats

   • Tracks fastest completion times for each difficulty.

   • Global leaderboard for competitive players.

8. Responsive UI

   • Sudoku grid designed with Bootstrap for mobile and desktop.

   • Smooth number entry with keyboard/mouse/touch support.

Technology Stack

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript (interactive Sudoku board, validation, animations).

• Backend:

  • Node.js / PHP / Java (for puzzle generation, solver algorithm, and validation).

• Database: MySQL / MongoDB (to store puzzles, user stats, leaderboard).

• Algorithm: Backtracking, Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP), or Exact Cover (Dancing Links by Donald Knuth).

How It Works

1. Player logs in and selects a difficulty level or inputs their own puzzle.

2. Game generates or accepts Sudoku puzzle and displays a 9x9 grid.

3. In Play Mode:

   • Player fills numbers.

   • System validates entries and provides hints if requested.

   • Timer tracks completion speed.

4. In Solver Mode:

   • Player submits puzzle.

   • Backend runs solver algorithm and outputs solution instantly.

5. Game results and times are saved → leaderboard updates.