I’ve noticed that auto-generated chessboard diagrams using my PHP script are showing up in at least a couple of chess blogs. I’m pleased that some bloggers are finding it useful. My day job is software development (see my work blog), but it’s not web development and not with PHP, so this has been an opportunity for me to learn something new.
For those of you using it, such as Qxh7#, I want you to know I’m committed to keeping this script running with the stable URL. I’ll also avoid making incompatible changes.
I’m interested in making enhancements, although I can’t promise any particular timetable. Possibilities include:
- Configurable colors
- Choice of piece style, including some larger and some smaller
- Ability to show square coordinates
- Ability to show side to move
- Ability to add square annotations, such as arrow from one square to another
And in my wildest dreams, I see some sort of Javascript-based GUI for creating a diagram. When you’re done, the GUI would give you the URL for embedding the dynamically-generated image into your web page.
What do you think? If you’ve used it already, what would you like to see? Add your comments.
Finally, I wanted to mention my friend Ned’s reaction. He has a real talent for thinking creatively about anything and everything, and he listens patiently to me go on about chess. He enjoyed the ability to create totally fanciful positions, like this one.
4 Comments
Hi Steve!
I started using your tool. It’s awesome. (e.g. http://globularchess.blogspot.com/2006/11/back-to-playing.html) I don’t have much in the way of suggestions to add, color choices would be nice. Maybe a box underneath with text like “after 34. Qh7#”, or “White to move and draw”, etc.
Will you be at the club next week?
-Matt, a.k.a “Globuar”
Hi Matt,
Color choices would relatively easy to add. A text box might not be too bad. The PHP imaging library I’m using has some text facilities. Thanks for the suggestions.
Yes, I’ll be back at the club in December for the first time since August, and I’m REALLY looking forward to it. I just hope the rust isn’t too bad. I’ve been studying regularly during the fall, but that just isn’t the same as all-evening OTB game.
Steve
Thanks for the wonderful tool. I had kind of abandoned posting positions and games on my blog because it had become a nightmare to upload screenshots of positions, and then create .pgn files of games and link to a javascript on my homepage. With your tool as long as I can produce the FEN I can get an instant image.
One thing I do when I post images from your script is to include ALT text of the position. Just in case you ever lose your bandwidth or the script becomes unavailable people viewing my blog would at least be able to still see the FEN position in text if they are interested enough to set it up themselves.
ooo forgot to add…
It would be nice if there was the possibility of have 2 or 3 board size choices. Color choices would be good but only if it didn’t over complicate the URL.
I can add text to my own webpage very easily. I don’t think text is super important.