Java Minesweeper

     In 2022, during my AP Computer Science A (CSA) class as a sophomore, I developed a fully functional Minesweeper game in Java. This project allowed me to strengthen my programming and problem-solving skills, especially in the areas of game design and logic. The game board consists of a grid where each cell is either a mine or a number indicating how many adjacent mines are present. The player interacts with the grid by selecting cells, and the game continues until all non-mined cells are revealed or a mine is triggered.
     I used fundamental Java concepts such as arrays, loops, conditionals, and object-oriented programming (OOP) principles to create this game. The board is represented using a two-dimensional array for both the visible grid and the mine layout. I implemented logic to randomly place mines and calculate the number of adjacent mines for each cell. Additionally, I added various methods to handle user input, check for winning or losing conditions, and display the board in a visually appealing way using colored text to represent different cell statuses. This demonstrates my ability to work with data structures, manage game states, and implement algorithms for game mechanics.
     One notable aspect of this project is my use of modular programming. I divided the program into multiple functions, each responsible for a specific task, such as initializing the board, printing the board, checking for mines, and handling the game's main logic. This modularity not only makes the code more readable and maintainable but also allows for easy expansion or modification of the game’s features in the future. 
     Overall, this project is a testament to my ability to apply programming concepts to create interactive software. It allowed me to practice working with more complex data structures and logic while reinforcing the core principles of Java. The Minesweeper game is not only a fun and functional piece of software but also a valuable learning experience that demonstrates my growing expertise in software development.