Java program utilizing a Swing GUI to find a solution to a given scramble for a Rubik's Cube
This program is able to find a valid solution to a scrambled Rubik's cube using the beginner's method. While this method gnerates longer solutions, the beginner's method is easy for beginners to learn intuitively (duh).
The goal of this project was to create a program which a beginner can use in order to learn how to solve the cube. This is accomplished by allowing the user to enter parameters for a scrambled cube, whether through a text scramble or by inputing each individual color on the cube, and then displaying and animating the cube in a 2D format as it is being solved.
In order to make it easier for the user to learn, the animation can be paused, started, fast-forwarded, and rewinded as one wishes; the animation speed can also be adjusted. Finally, the solution being followed is printed; moves yet to be performed are printed in a black font and moves already performed are printed in a red font.
- Java SDK 1.8 or later
After downloading the zip file, unzip it in your preferred directory. In the terminal, navigate into the src folder and run:
javac CubeDisplayer.java
java CubeDisplayer
Before trying to use this program, I advise you to learn the standard notation for turns and rotations on a Rubik's cube here.
There are two modes in which solutions can be generated. The first is the default text scramble mode, which allows the user
to input a text scramble or generate a random scramble. The second mode is color selection mode, which allows the user
to input the colors of their scrambled cube and follow through a selection. Modes can be toggled using the menu bar.
The following are images of how each mode looks:
Text Scramble Mode -
- Scramble can be entered in the text field
- Scrambled is applied to a new cube by clicking APPLY
- A random scramble is generated by clicking RANDOM
- Animation can be started, stopped, rewinded, and fast-forwarded using the buttons in the top left
- The slider allows you to change the animation speed
- Black text: moves yet to be performed
- Red text: moves completed
- Use the menu Mode Selection to toggle between modes
Color Input Mode (Color Selection Screen) -
- Use the combo box to select which side you want to enter the colors for
- Follow the directions under the combo box and input the colors accordingly
- Remember to input colors for all 6 sides!
- Colors can be selected using the color palette
- If you want to reset the inputs for all sides, click RESET
- If you are satisfied with your inputs, click PROCEED to view the solution
Color Input Mode (Solution Screen) -
- Solution presented in same format as Text Scramble Mode
