SudokuSolver

SudokuSolver is a web application built using Next.js and TypeScript that can solve any given Sudoku puzzle using a backtracking algorithm. The app provides a user-friendly interface where users can input their Sudoku puzzle and let the algorithm solve it.

Demo

Explore the live version of the app here: SudokuSolver

Full link: https://shaheenjawadi.github.io/SudokuSolver/

How it Works

The algorithm solves the Sudoku puzzle using the backtracking approach, which involves:

1. Finding the next empty cell: The solver searches for an empty cell (denoted by 0).
2. Trying candidates: For each empty cell, it tries numbers from 1 to 9 and checks if the number can be placed based on Sudoku's rules (row, column, and 3x3 block constraints).
3. Backtracking: If a number doesn't lead to a valid solution, the algorithm backtracks and tries the next candidate.
4. Recursion: The process is repeated recursively for all empty cells until the puzzle is solved or determined unsolvable.

Algorithm Implementation

Here is an overview of the main functions used in the algorithm:

1. canPlaceNumber:Checks if a candidate number can be placed at a given row and column by validating the row, column, and 3x3 block constraints.

   • Input: Sudoku grid, row, column, candidate number.
   • Output: true if the number can be placed, otherwise false.

2. findNextEmptyCell: Finds the next empty cell in the grid (a cell with value 0).

   • Input: Sudoku grid.
   • Output: Coordinates of the next empty cell or null if no empty cells are found.

3. solvePuzzle: Solves the Sudoku puzzle using backtracking. It fills the grid by recursively trying numbers and backtracking when necessary.

   • Input: Sudoku grid.
   • Output: true if the puzzle is solved, otherwise false.

Getting Started

Follow these steps to run SudokuSolver locally on your machine:

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/ShaheenJawadi/SudokuSolver.git

2. Install dependencies:

cd SudokuSolver
npm install

or

cd SudokuSolver
yarn

3. Start the development server:

npm run dev

or

yarn dev

4. Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 to interact with the Sudoku solver.

How to Use

1. Input a Sudoku puzzle in the grid .
2. Click the "Solve" button to let the algorithm solve the puzzle.

Contributing

We welcome contributions to enhance SudokuSolver. Feel free to:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch for your feature or bug fix.
3. Make your changes and submit a pull request.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.