Java Jeopardy

Dallin Lauritzen
dallin.lauritzen@gmail.com
Version: 1.0 (7 May 2010)

Introduction

Thank you for using this program!

My Java version of the popular Jeopardy game is meant for classroom-style use. One moderator runs the program, selecting the questions and managing the score (using the Score Card tool) while an external monitor or projector displays the screen to students.

Java

To run the Jeopardy program, Java must be installed. If your computer is not equipped with Java, the latest JRE can be downloaded at http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp .

With Java installed, you should be able to simply execute the .jar file like a normal program.

Running the Game

The main Jeopardy window simply displays a Jeopardy board and several menu options.

The Menu

Files

This program uses YAML-formatted text files to store game data. The best way to ensure useability and accuracy is to use the built-in Game Builder tool (see the Tools section) to edit or create new games that can be played in the main frame.

The following files are required to use this program:

Jeopardy_full.jar is larger because it contains all program data. In contrast, the smaller individual JAR files each only contain the required code for their portion of the program. If you are not using Jeopardy_full.jar, *all* four files are required. I recommend the smaller files, because then individual programs can be accessed without opening the main program.

The following files are for your information:

Other files that may be distributed with this program:

Tools

There are two "Tools" accessible through the Tools menu within the main Jeopardy window.

Score Card

This tool is a standalone program for managing the scores of a group of players. Since the Jeopardy game itself only displays questions, players' score must be managed with this tool. Start with an empty list or load a .yaml file containing previously saved data. Add, edit, or remove players with the buttons, and add to their score with the "Change Score" button.

Player score data may be saved between sessions of game play by selecting "Save List" from the File menu. Similary, player data is loaded from the "Load List" menu item and list data is reset by selecting the "New List" item. If you do not wish to save data, select "No" when prompted to save.

Game Builder

This tool is the official mechanism for editing and creating games for this program.

After a game is saved in the game builder, it can be loaded into the main Jeopardy program to test or play.

Copyright and Use

Author

This program was written by Dallin Lauritzen.
EMail: dallin.lauritzen@gmail.com
The most recent version can be found at http://dallin.lauritzenfamily.net/jeopardy

License

This program is licensed under the GNU General Public License, included with this program or found online at http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0-standalone.html .

Use

If you wish to use this program, for personal or educational purposes, please email me to let me know that my work is appreciated. Feedback is welcome and desired. If you give me your email address, I will email you if and when new versions of the program are complete.

Libraries

JYaml library can be found at http://jyaml.sourceforge.net/index.html .