iSlideTiles

iSlideTiles

This is an implementation of the classic "15 Puzzle". The object is to arrange the tiles in order by sliding them around. A timer keeps track of how long it takes to solve the puzzle.

While developing this application I was able to verify that not all initial tile orderings can be solved. In fact, a randomly selected ordering has a 50% probability of being solved. To spare the player unnecessary frustration, I've included a check to ensure only solvable tile orderings are presented. The solvability algorithm is described at Wolfram MathWorld: 15 Puzzle.

Notes

• The timer starts once the first tile is moved.
• Only tiles next to the empty space can be moved.
• A counter keeps track of the number of moves.
• To complete the puzzle, all tiles must be arranged in increasing order, from left to right then top to bottom. Also, the "Free" space must be in the lower right corner.
• The player can start a new game at any time by clicking on the "Start New Game" button or reload the page.

Future enhancements

• Provide a series of pre-set puzzles, with a suggested minimum number of moves to solve them.
• Keep track of best scores so far.
• Add an option to change the grid size.