AttoChess, a new chess program for 16-bit x86 DOS, has been developed in just 278 bytes. Its optimization includes eliminating unnecessary rendering and improving how the board and moves are managed, making it significantly smaller and more efficient than previous versions.
AttoChess is a compact, fully playable chess program crafted for 16-bit x86 DOS environments. Measuring only 278 bytes, it maintains the core search algorithm of its predecessor while introducing significant optimizations in board drawing and move decoding.
The design focuses on minimizing code size and improving efficiency, making it an interesting project for enthusiasts of retro computing and programming.
The program's optimizations revolve around negating the need for a render buffer. Instead of creating a string to represent the board, AttoChess outputs directly to the console, which streamlines the process.
The display system utilizes a combination of carriage return and line feed characters to format the board, maintaining compatibility with existing color mask checks.
AttoChess improves startup time by skipping the traditional BIOS mode setting. This makes the program executable in various environments without requiring specific video configurations.
Deterministic startup code replaces the BIOS call, leading to a reduced overall byte count and more straightforward functionality.
The input system has been restructured to simplify move parsing. All necessary constants are consolidated into a single base address, facilitating efficient address calculations for handling moves.
AttoChess represents a notable achievement in creating a functional application within severe space constraints. Its efficiency in code usage can serve as a reference for developers working with limited resources in retro programming contexts.
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AttoChess, a new chess program for 16-bit x86 DOS, has been developed in just 278 bytes. Its optimization includes eliminating unnecessary rendering and improving how the board and moves are managed, making it significantly smaller and more efficient than previous versions.