[computer-go] Words from the wise

[john <john@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've been writing a go bot for 18 months or so on and off.

It's gone from C, re-written as C++ OO style, re-written as C just
before Christmas.  Current name is 'Dumbbot' on KGS.

I've implemented alpha-beta, killer moves, iterative deepening, hash
table and full time-handling (interrupting the iterative deepening
without throwing away partial knowledge gained at that level).  I've
started to look at connections + chains = groups and planned to expand
that to groups + weak associations = frameworks as two levels to make
strategic decisions against.

My problem is that all of these features are only 95% solid and I spend
more time introducing new features than robustly testing the stuff I've
already done.  I don't have the sort of design-build-release mentality
at home that I insist on from others at work ;-)

My long-term intention is to develop a program that can play well enough
(and reliably enough) to consider exploiting commercially in some way
rather than _just_ having fun.

The question for you guys (and especially those involved with commercial
programs) is this:  should I bite the bullet, stop having fun for a bit
and put all those processes and tools in place properly, or can I get to
a strong program through a combination of reasonable development
discipline and sparky ideas?

I think I know the answer already :-( but your views and experience
would be highly valued.

John (kestrel on KGS)

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