Caissa v1.0.0: Python Build

Release v1.0.0

This release marks the first stable version of Caissa, a chess engine and interface developed in Python. While the project began as an academic assignment, it has been expanded into a fully functional application with multiple engine backends and a customizable user interface.

Core Features

• Dual Engine Options: Users can choose between a native engine and Stockfish integration.
• Search Logic: The native engine implements search algorithms such as Negamax and Alpha-Beta Pruning within ai.py.
• Real-time Evaluation: An evaluation bar can be toggled to provide live feedback on the current board position.
• Game Modes: Supports both Player vs. Player (PvP) and Player vs. AI modes.
• Interface Customization: Includes multiple preset board themes and piece sets.

Controls and Navigation

• Fullscreen: Press F to enter or exit fullscreen mode.
• Resign: Press Q or use the sidebar button to resign the current game.
• Restart: Press R to reset the board and start a new game.
• Undo: Press the Left Arrow key to undo a move (currently limited to PvP mode).
• Menu: Press M to return to the main menu from a game.

Installation and Build Notes

• Windows Executable: A standalone .exe is provided for Windows users. This build uses the --windowed flag to ensure the engine runs as a background process without opening a command prompt.
• Python Requirements: To run from source, the project requires Python 3, Pygame, and the Stockfish library.

Future Development

The project is currently written in Python to satisfy specific course requirements. A future rewrite in Rust is planned to optimize performance and increase the strength of the native engine.