Description
Drawing Blocks
1 Overview
Fig. 1: A novel falling
blocks game
In this lab we will utlize Java’s Swing library to draw
a picture of a falling block puzzle (of no particular
variety) using rectangles. In this game tiles fall from
the ceiling, are rotated and land either at the bottom
of the screen or on top of other blocks. We don’t
have the nessisary tools to create such a game at this
point in the course, so we will simply be creating a
picture of such a game in progress. In this game there
are several varieties of blocks that can fall, each with
its own shape and color. We will create these block
configurations and stamp them onto our canvas.
2 Learning Outcomes
By the end of this project students should be
able to:
• Instantiate objects;
• Create a simple graphical displays;
• Use the Java API to solve a problem;
• work effectively with a partner using pairprogramming;
• write an effective report that describes the students’
problem solving process.
3 Pre-Lab Instructions
Do this part before you come to lab:
This project will require you to utilize classes from
the Java Class Library.
• Read Big Java Chapter 2
1
4 Lab Instructions 2
• Look up the Java API documentation for the
class Graphics2D. Determine what methods
might help you accomplish the following tasks:
– Change the color of the pen
– Draw an outline
– Draw a solid shape
– Change the angle of the next thing you draw
– Change the location of the next thing you draw
4 Lab Instructions
Do this part in lab:
Step 1
To start your code use the examples shown at the end of Big Java chapter 2 to
create a custom component class and to generate that component in a JFrame.
Once you have your frame working, attempt to draw a single block in the top left
corner of the screen by instantiating rectangles and a color. Each square in the
block should be 20×20. Every block type should have a unique and consistant
color. In this assignment you will have seven different block types to create.
• I block – A block consisting of 4 consective squares in a straight line.
(colored cyan in the example screenshot)
• J block – A block consisting of 3 consective squares in a line, with a
single block coming out horizontal at one end.(colored blue in the example
screenshot)
• L block – The mirror image of the J block.(colored orange in the example
screenshot)
• O block – A block consisting of 4 squares forming a larger square.(colored
yellow in the example screenshot)
• S block – A block consisting of of blocks connected horizontally, verticly,
then horizontally in an S shape. (colored green in the example screenshot)
• Z block – The mirror image of the S block.(colored red in the example
screenshot)
• T block – A block in the shape of a T. (colored purple in the example
screenshot)
Develop the rectangles and colors required for each of these types in different
variables, and modify your draw code to be able to easily draw any of these
blocks that you wish.
5 Lab Report 3
Step 2
Now that you can draw any block type, build your JFrame to be 10 squares wide,
and draw each of these blocks at the bottom of the screen in a legal arangement.
Each block should align with the others, and must be resting at the bottom of
the screen or directly above another block. Each block should be drawn at least
twice, but no new rectangle should be created for the second drawing. Once
you are complete you should have a drawing similar to the example screenshot.
Hint: Rather than trying to modify your rectangles, try moving the
entire Graphics2D object!
5 Lab Report
Each pair of students will write a single lab report together and each
student will turn in that same lab report on BBLearn. Submissions
from each student on a pair should be identical.
Your lab report should begin with a preamble that contains:
• The lab assignment number and name
• Your name(s)
• The date
• The lab section
It should then be followed by four numbered sections:
1. Problem Statement
In this section you should describe the problem in your own words. The problem
statement should answer questions like:
• What are the important features of the problem?
• What are the problem requirements?
This section should also include a reasonably complete list of requirements in
the assignment. Following your description of the problem, include a bulleted
list of specific features to implement. If there are any specific funtions, classes or
numeric requirements given to you, they should be represented in this bulleted
list.
2. Planning
In the second section you should describe what planning you did in order to solve
the problem. You should include planning artifacts like sketches, diagrams, or
pseudocode you may have used. You should also describe your planning process.
List the specific data structures or techniques you plan on using, and why.
5 Lab Report 4
3. Implementation and Testing
In the third section you should describe how you implemented your plan. As
directed by the lab instructor you should (as appropriate) include:
• a copy of your source code (Submitted in BBLearn as a .java files)
• a screen shot of your running application / solution
• results from testing
4. Reflection
In the last section you should reflect on the project. Consider different things
you could have done to make your solution better. This might include code
organization improvements, design improvements, etc.
You should also ask yourself what were the key insights or features of your
solution? Were there alternative approaches or techniques you could have employed?
How would these alternatives have impacted a different solution?
5. Partner Rating
Every assignment you are required to rate your partner with a score -1, 0 or +1.
This should be submitted in the comment section of the BBLearn submission,
and not in the report document. If you don’t want to give your partner a
negative rating making sure not to use a dash before listing the number! You do
not have to tell your partner the rating you assign them. A rating of 1 indicates
that your partner was particularly helpful or contributed exceptional effort. A
rating of 0 indcates that your partner met the class expectations of them. Rating
your partner at -1 means that they refused contribute to the project, failed to
put in a resonable effort or actively blocked you from participating. If a student
recieves three ratings of -1 they must attend a mandatory meeting with the
instructor to dicuss the situation, and recieving additional -1 ratings beyond
that, the student risks losing a letter grade, or even failing the course.
