Zigzag Puzzle Development Environment

This skill configures your development environment for working on the Zigzag puzzle generator and solver project (also known as Slants or Gokigen Naname puzzles).

What This Skill Does

Sets up the proper Python environment and provides context for developing, testing, and extending the Zigzag puzzle generation and solving scripts. The project uses PyPy3 for performance optimization and maintains a virtual environment for dependency management.

Instructions

When working on this project, follow these guidelines:

1. **Python Runtime**: Use `pypy3` instead of `python3` for all working scripts to get a performance boost. Only use standard `python3` if PyPy compatibility issues arise.

2. **Virtual Environment**: The project uses a Python virtual environment (venv) which is activated automatically via `.autoenv` scripts. Ensure the venv is active before running any Python commands.

3. **Project Documentation**: Consult the following files for project context:

- `PROJECT.md` — Contains the overall development plan and project goals

- `RULES.md` — Details on the puzzle solving rules and their tiers

- `PROGRESS.md` — Development history maintained during initial development

4. **Command Execution**: When running Python scripts, prefer:

```bash

pypy3 script_name.py

```

over:

```bash

python3 script_name.py

```

5. **Development Workflow**:

- Check if the venv is activated (look for venv indicator in prompt)

- If not activated, source the .autoenv script or manually activate the venv

- Use `pypy3` for running generators, solvers, and test scripts

- Refer to documentation files before making architectural changes

6. **Performance Considerations**: The choice of PyPy3 is deliberate for CPU-intensive puzzle generation and solving algorithms. Keep this in mind when adding new features or dependencies.

Example Usage

```bash

Activate virtual environment (if .autoenv didn't trigger)

source .autoenv

Run a puzzle generator with PyPy3

pypy3 generate_puzzle.py --difficulty medium

Run solver script

pypy3 solve_puzzle.py input.txt

Run tests

pypy3 -m pytest tests/

```

Important Notes