8-Tile Problem Portable

Most games rely on algorithms to be solved, which means a machine is always better at coming up with a solution. For instance, 8-Tile Problem Portable is a suitable example of how an 8 tile puzzle is solved, including how many steps, based on one of two specific algorithms.

As the name clearly points out the application skips you the whole effort of going through an installer. As such, it can be easily carried around on a thumb drive in case you want to use it on other computers. Moreover, registry entries have no saying in functionality, so the target PC’s health status remains intact. However, you do need to check whether or not .NET Framework is installed.

On the visual side of things, the application puts everything in plain sight on a classic window frame. The puzzle takes up most of the space, and you can interact with the tiles if you consider you can solve it in less steps. A randomize button can help scramble the entire board to start over.

There are two algorithms which can be used, and you can find them in a drop-down menu. One of them rotates multiple tiles, while the other follows a more chaotic, but practical approach. Several info fields let you know the number of steps to solve with the current method, while another shows nodes explored.

The simulation doesn’t start until all values are configured and you hit the trigger button. However, once it starts it cannot be stopped until the puzzle is solved, and it can take quite some time with some methods. What’s more, there’s no possibility to generate a log file with the pattern or moves used. You can, however set the speed of the simulation in milliseconds for real time analysis.

Taking everything into consideration, we can say that 8-Tile Problem Portable is a fun little simulation which shows how difficult it is to solve a puzzle. Simulation speed can be configured to clearly analyze all steps, while portability offers the necessary flexibility to carry it wherever you go.