N-Puzzle

This project provides a complete implementation of the sliding puzzle game (N-Puzzle), featuring a graphical interface and two solving algorithms.

Overview

The N-Puzzle is a logic game where the goal is to arrange numbered tiles in order by sliding them into an empty space. This project allows you to:

• Generate or load puzzles of various sizes (from 3x3 to 20x20)
• Check the validity and solvability of any configuration
• Automatically solve the puzzle using different search algorithms (A* and IDA*)
• Visualize the solving process through a modern graphical interface (Qt6)

Main Features

• Load puzzles from a file or generate random boards
• Select the solving algorithm and heuristic
• Graphical display of the puzzle and moves
• Statistics on the solving process (number of states explored, time, etc.)
• Error handling for invalid or unsolvable puzzles

Project Structure

• src/core/: core solving engine (algorithms, parsing, puzzle logic)
• src/gui/: graphical user interface (Qt)
• test/: test files and sample puzzles

Requirements

• Qt 6.x (Widgets, Core, etc.)
• CMake ≥ 3.16
• A C++17 compatible compiler

Usage

Build the project:

make

Then run the executable from the build/ directory:

./N-Puzzle

Otherwise, run directly the following to build and run the project:

make run

You can load a puzzle file (examples) or generate a random board from the interface.

Notes

• The project is designed to be easily extensible (new heuristics, algorithms, etc.)
• Algorithms are optimized for reasonably sized puzzle