Chess TS

Building a Chess Web Application from Scratch

I recently took on the challenge of building a chess web application called Chess TS completely from scratch using TypeScript and Next.js. In this post, I'll walk you through the goals, technologies, features, challenges, and lessons learned from developing this unique project.

Project Goals

I set out to build Chess TS for a few key reasons:

1. Gain experience developing an entire modern web application solo from the ground up
2. Learn new technologies like Next.js, TypeScript, and WebRTC
3. Create a fully-functional online chess game playable in browsers

Key Technologies

I intentionally avoided using any chess libraries and engines to make Chess TS completely original. Here are the main technologies powering the app:

• Next.js - React framework that handles routing, server-side rendering, and static optimization
• TypeScript - Strict syntactical superset of JavaScript that adds types
• WebRTC - Enables direct peer-to-peer communication between browsers
• Open AI - Provides chess move analysis and suggestions via API

Features

The app includes all core functionality you'd expect from an online chess game:

Multiplayer Game Modes

• Play against another player in real-time over the internet
• Challenge clever AI opponents ranging from beginner to expert strength

Smart Analysis

• Get move suggestions rated by strength
• View blunder warnings when making a mistake

Time Controls

• Use timers to replicate serious tournament conditions
• Configure desired start time and increment per move

Additional Features

• Resign or offer/accept draws
• Track captures taken and pieces lost
• Save and load games in progress

and more...

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite having developed web apps with React and TypeScript before, building Chess TS led to some unique obstacles:

• Complex Game Logic - I learned tons about properly modeling gameplay states, moves, turns, scores etc. in TypeScript
• Multiplayer Integration - Getting the WebRTC connection, streaming, events etc. right took time
• AI Opponent - Creating capable chess AI with unique adjustable difficulty was very challenging

Through the experience, I gained deeper knowledge of TypeScript, React architecture, real-time web technologies, and the incredible complexity underlying a game as classic as chess.

While there is still more work ahead to add features, optimize performance, and improve gameplay - launching the first playable version of a passion project using all new technologies was tremendously rewarding. I'm excited to keep improving Chess TS in the months ahead!

You can view the source code or try playing Chess TS online at the links below:

Github Repo

Play Chess TS