1 Welcome to UCC::ProgComp 2010!
3 This document will acquaint you with the competition: the rules, how to write an agent, and what you need to do to enter.
5 === What is UCC::ProgComp? ===
6 Good question! The facetious answer is that it's the package whose documentation you are currently reading. The long answer is that it's a project of the University Computer Club (UCC), a student club affiliated with the Guild of Undergraduates at the University of Western Australia. UCC::ProgComp is designed to raise interest in programming and raise awareness of what UCC offers.
8 === Why should I enter? ===
9 For a number of reasons:
11 - it's a low-risk opportunity to learn how to program or to practise your programming. You don't need to be an expert to enter, and it's a great way to do things that you might not otherwise get the opportunity to do.
12 - To meet other computer-oriented people around UCC.
14 === What's the basic premise? ===
15 Entry in UCC::ProgComp is by writing an agent that plays a modified version of Rock-Paper-Scissors on the morally bankrupt underworld of RPS Island.
17 On RPS Island, this classic game is considerably more complex: the attacking agent must bluff to the defending agent before making its real attack. Agents receive a moderate rewarded for being nice to each other and going for a mutually beneficial tie, but receive the most points for stabbing the other in the back.
19 An agent consists of a Python, C/C++, Java or MATLAB file with 3 functions:
21 * A function to attack another bot.
22 * A function to defend itself against another bot.
23 * An optional function to receive the results of its battle, so that it can learn how other agents play.
26 Keep reading! Read HOWTO.txt, then go to README.txt to see what other documents are available.
28 === I've read everything and I'm still confused! ===
29 Firstly, check the FAQs at http://progcomp.ucc.asn.au
30 If you're still stumped, contact us via the link at http://progcomp.ucc.asn.au