Compilation Instructions

C++ Backend Compilation

Required Files

• main.cpp - Main entry point with race commands
• maze.cpp + maze.h - Maze generation and management
• astar.cpp + astar.h - A* pathfinding algorithm
• racemode.cpp + racemode.h - NEW: Race mode functionality
• matrix.cpp + matrix.h - Matrix operations

Compile Command (MSVC)

cl /EHsc /std:c++20 /Fe:maze.exe main.cpp matrix.cpp maze.cpp astar.cpp racemode.cpp 

Compile Command (GCC/MinGW)

g++ -std=c++20 -o maze.exe main.cpp matrix.cpp maze.cpp astar.cpp racemode.cpp

Or compile with included CMake

C# GUI Compilation

Just build the solution:

dotnet build

Or in Visual Studio: Build → Build Solution (Ctrl+Shift+B)

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How Race Mode Works

Architecture

1. C++ Backend handles:

   • Maze state management
   • Player movement validation
   • Move counting and timing
   • A* algorithm execution
   • Results comparison

2. C# GUI provides:

   • Visual interface with buttons
   • Race mode activation
   • Movement controls (↑↓←→)
   • Console output display

Race Mode Commands

Starting a Race

maze.exe race_start

• Initializes race timer
• Sets player at entrance
• Creates race_active.tmp flag file

Movement Commands

maze.exe race_up      # Move up
maze.exe race_down    # Move down
maze.exe race_left    # Move left
maze.exe race_right   # Move right

Other Commands

maze.exe race_reset   # Reset current race
maze.exe race_state   # Show current position

Workflow

1. Generate/Load Maze

   maze.exe gen 10 15

2. GUI: Select "🏁 START RACE MODE"

   • Race control panel appears
   • Arrow buttons become active

3. Press START Button

   • Race begins, timer starts
   • Player at entrance position

4. Use Arrow Buttons

   • Navigate through maze
   • Each move is counted
   • Invalid moves are blocked by walls

5. Reach Exit

   • Timer stops automatically
   • A* algorithm runs
   • Comparison displayed:
     • Player moves vs A* moves
     • Player time vs A* time
     • Efficiency percentage
     • Funny comparison messages

6. Results Saved

   • Automatically saved to race_results.txt
   • Contains detailed statistics

File Structure

project/
├── maze.exe      # Main executable
├── maze_temp.txt            # Current maze state
├── race_active.tmp          # Race mode flag (temp)
├── race_results.txt         # Last race results
└── MazeDemoApp/
    └── Program.cs           # GUI with race controls

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Testing Race Mode

Quick Test Sequence

1. Start Application
2. Generate small maze: "1. Generate New Maze" → 5 5
3. Activate Race Mode: "8. 🏁 START RACE MODE"
4. Press START button
5. Use arrow buttons to solve
6. View comparison when finished

Tips for Users

• Start with small mazes (5x5, 7x7) to learn
• Try to minimize moves
• Remember path patterns
• Compare with A* to improve strategy

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Troubleshooting

Issue: "No maze loaded for race mode"

Solution: Generate or load a maze first (options 1-2)

Issue: Race buttons not responding

Solution: Make sure race is started (press START button)

Issue: Invalid move errors

Solution: Wall is blocking that direction

Issue: Results not saving

Solution: Check write permissions in directory

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Future Enhancements (Optional)

• Add difficulty levels
• Implement leaderboard
• Add hints system
• Show A* path after completion
• Add maze replay feature
• Export race statistics to CSV