sudoku
solver is a Java application that can solve square sudoku puzzles of any
size (where the width or height of the puzzle is a perfect square).
The solver tries all possible combinations until it finds a solution.
The program attempts to solve the puzzle quickly by following a
strategy where it always fills in cells that have the fewest choices
associated with them before filling in other cells.
Using the Sudoku solver:
- Get a compiled version of the program by either...
- Downloading the .class files in the directory called "precompiled"
- Downloading SudokuBoard.java and compile it yourself by running the command "javac SudokuSolve.java".
- Create a text file for the puzzle you wish to solve. Use 'x' to indicate empty cells. Non-empty cells must contain numbers from 1 through size---where size is the width or height of the puzzle. Note that size must be a square number. size is 9 for traditional Sudoku puzzles. Two test puzzles are provided for you to try.
- Run the solver on the puzzle with the command "java SudokuSolve size puzzle-file.txt". The program repeatedly prints out the status of the board until it finds a solution. It can usually solve 9x9 Sudoku boards in a few seconds.