A simple Python project for finding a path in a randomly generated maze using a recursive Depth-First Search (DFS) algorithm.
Project Overview This repository offers multiple implementations of a basic Python maze pathfinding challenge, where a 10x10 grid maze is randomly generated. The objective is to find a path for the mouse to reach the cheese starting from user-defined coordinates. The project includes three main files:
mouse-maze-pathfinder.py: The main script with visualization using matplotlib
mouse-cheese-graphic2.py: An alternative version with improved graphics and customized style
mouse-cheese.py: A pure console, minimalistic version requiring no extra libraries
Algorithm DFS is performed recursively in eight directions from the starting cell to locate the first valid path to the goal. If no such path exists, a message will be displayed.
Install requirements:
pip install matplotlib numpy
Run the main version:
python mouse-maze-pathfinder.py
Run the simple console version:
python mouse-cheese.py
Run the improved graphics version:
python mouse-cheese-graphic2.py
The user enters mouse and cheese locations (integer values 1 to 10).
If the coordinate is invalid (on a wall), an error message is shown.
The first available path is found using DFS; visited cells, open paths, and walls are marked and shown in console or graphics:
2: Visited cells
1: Free path
0: Wall Example console output:
Initial Matrix:
...
Moving to: (3,7)
Moving to: (2,8)
...
Cheese found!
Final Matrix (2 = visited cells):
...
If no path is possible:
No path found!
Project Structure maze generation: 10x10 grid with border walls (zeros)
user input: get mouse and cheese coordinates from user; validate inputs
directions: move in 8 possible directions recursively
DFS algorithm: recursively search for path from mouse to cheese
visualization: display maze and solution path using matplotlib or color styles (in advanced versions)
Files mouse-maze-pathfinder.py: main interactive and visual version
mouse-cheese-graphic2.py: improved graphics and color-coded legend
mouse-cheese.py: pure console/terminal minimalist version
Future Improvements Implement Breadth-First Search (BFS) for shortest path finding
Ability to load custom maze from a file
GUI implementation (e.g., using tkinter or pygame)
Unit tests for find_path function
Animated step-by-step visualization
Contribution Guide All suggestions, bug reports, and improvement proposals are welcome!
Fork the repository
Commit your changes
Open a pull request
Please open an issue for questions or ideas