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Subject: Data Structure Zealotry...

Author: Joel

Date: 17:32:27 11/19/02


Hey all,

I find the inordinate amount of discussion in regards to the underlying data
structures quite amusing.

Isn't the fact that there are strong programs based on a variety of difference
approaches good enough to 'prove' that the particular approaches have merit?

Hell, when I first started, I looked into each method somewhat, decided to go
with an array based method, then after that learning experience, decided to
change to bitboards (I think it is elegant) for a more serious attempt at making
a reasonable engine.

My reasoning for this decision was that if other strong coders could make a
strong chess AI using either approach, then well, I may as well chose the one
which I like the best. (and hope that I am a good coder!)

What confuses me is that a lot of people here get very involved in these data
structure zealotry discussions! I read numbers such as a 'factor of 2' being
thrown around here and there, but don't fully understand the importance? Isn't
the branching factor in chess suffiently high enough for these factors to make
only a small difference to the programs chess playing performance?

Keep in mind my perspective is slanted - my first serious attempt at a chess
engine is not complete (need a few more weeks), and my only other experience
with chess programming is a quick engine knocked up in a month, plus lots of on
paper design for my current one.

Regards,
Joel




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