Explore the creative side of coding and the rigorous theory behind it. This section dives deep into how computers process information, structure languages (using Formal Grammars), and generate complex digital worlds. Learn cutting-edge techniques like using Perlin Noise for procedural generation of terrains, and explore the fundamental logic that dictates every program you’ve ever run. Build a stronger foundation for a lifetime of coding.
Languages follow invisible rules we rarely notice—but what if we could describe them with math? This article breaks down formal grammars and shows how they underpin both human language and computer logic.
Unlock the power of Perlin Noise in procedural terrain creation. Learn how to implement it from scratch, adjust octaves, lacunarity, persistence, and even extract real-world height distributions – to craft mountains, cliffs, and cave systems with precision and creativity.
Alan Turing, a pioneering figure in the world of Computer Science, is often celebrated for his work on breaking the Enigma code during World War II. However, one of his lesser-known achievements is creating one of the first chess algorithms — a small yet significant early step in the development of artificial intelligence systems.
This is exciting! We’re nearly ready to start simulating a whole game of Chess. There’s just a few more components we need.
To begin, let’s first consider what information we need to encode to fully describe a move.
In standard chess move notation, we are given only the type of piece, and it’s new location. E.g. Ne2 which indicates that a knight should be moved to the square e2.
This is part 2 in a series of articles documenting my process of building a chess engine. I hope to share insights from my previous experience, and explain some of the concepts and techniques I’ll be using. If you haven’t already read part 1, I’d strongly recommend taking a look before reading part 2. You can check it out at the link above.
Time to pick up where we left of…
This is not my first rodeo.
I’ve built a chess engine before, but the results were… let’s say… underwhelming.
Don’t get me wrong, the program worked; it was able to play a full game of chess, and for that, I give it credit. But let’s face it, it was terrible at chess.
