1 USINGPYTHON.txt: A 10 step guide to writing an agent in Python.
3 1. Pick a name for your agent. Make sure the name is a valid python
4 identifier. Be original.
6 2. Open SampleAgents.py. Pick a sample agent to copy-paste (so you
7 don't have to type out the function definitions).
9 3. Copy the sample agent code into a new file in the "agents" directory.
10 Make sure the file has the same name as the agent.
12 4. Add the following lines to the beginning of your file:
14 from uccProgComp import BaseAgent, LearningAgent, RandomAttack
15 from rpsconst import *
17 5. Create an arena in which your agent can battle:
19 5.1. open arenas/MyArena.py
21 5.2. add "from agents.<youragentname> import <youragentname>"
23 5.3. modify the "Agents =" line to include your agent, and take out
24 any agents you don't want to battle.
26 6. Watch your agent in action: ./simulate -v -a MyArena
28 7. Oh no, my agent dies very quickly: what's going on?
30 7.1 insert print statements in your python module. (Hint: prefix them
31 with self.id so you can identify different agents)
33 7.2 Run "./simulate -v -n 1 -a MyArena" to start with only 1 of each
36 7.3 Change the agents against which you're battling in MyArena.py so
37 that you have a predictable opponent.
39 7.1 Edit conf.py, and set DEBUG=True. Don't forget to reset it when
42 8. Once your agent works to your satisfaction, try it both on short and
43 long durations (100 and 1000 rounds: see MAX_ITERATIONS in conf.py)
45 9. If the rolling scoreboard has been opened on progcomp.ucc.asn.au/,
46 submit it there! Otherwise, sit tight.
48 10. Watch its progress on the scoreboard and adjust your strategy