USINGPYTHON.txt: An 11 step guide to writing an agent in Python.

0. Watch the sample agents in action and flick through the documentation.

1. Pick a name for your agent. Make sure the name is a valid python 
identifier. Be original.

2. Open SampleAgents.py.  Pick a sample agent to copy-paste (so you 
don't have to type out the function definitions).

3. Copy the sample agent code into a new file in the "agents" directory. 
Make sure the file has the same name as the agent.

4. Add the following lines to the beginning of your file:

from uccProgComp import BaseAgent, LearningAgent, RandomAttack
from rpsconst import *

5. Create an arena in which your agent can battle:

   5.1. open arenas/MyArena.py

   5.2. add "from agents.<youragentname> import <youragentname>"

   5.3. modify the "Agents =" line to include your agent, and take out 
any agents you don't want to battle.

6. Watch your agent in action: ./simulate -v -a MyArena

7. Oh no, my agent dies very quickly: what's going on?

   7.1 insert print statements in your python module. (Hint: prefix them 
with self.id so you can identify different agents)

   7.2 Run "./simulate -v -n 1 -a MyArena" to start with only 1 of each 
agent.

   7.3 Change the agents against which you're battling in MyArena.py so 
that you have a predictable opponent.

   7.1 Edit conf.py, and set DEBUG=True. Don't forget to reset it when 
you're done.

8. Once your agent works to your satisfaction, try it both on short and 
long durations (100 and 1000 rounds: see MAX_ITERATIONS in conf.py)

9. If the rolling scoreboard has been opened on progcomp.ucc.asn.au/, 
submit it there! Otherwise, sit tight.

10. Watch its progress on the scoreboard and adjust your strategy 
accordingly.