CrossWords - ASP.NET Core Web Application

A web-based crossword puzzle application built with ASP.NET Core and vanilla JavaScript.

Features

• Interactive crossword grid with keyboard navigation
• RESTful API for puzzle data
• Multiple hardcoded puzzles (easily extensible)
• Check answers, reveal solutions, and clear grid functionality
• Responsive design
• Docker support for easy deployment

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• .NET 9.0 SDK or later
• Docker (optional, for containerized deployment)

Running Locally

1. Navigate to the server directory:

   cd src/server

2. Restore dependencies and run the application:

   dotnet restore
   dotnet run

3. Open your browser and navigate to:

   http://localhost:5000
   

Running with Docker

1. Build and run using Docker Compose:

   docker-compose up --build

2. Open your browser and navigate to:

   http://localhost:5000
   

3. To stop the container:

   docker-compose down

Running with Docker (Debug Mode)

For development and debugging:

1. Build and run using the debug compose file:

   docker-compose -f docker-compose.debug.yml up --build

2. In VS Code:

   • Press F5 or go to Run and Debug
   • Select "Docker .NET Attach" configuration
   • Choose the running CrossWords process

The debug configuration includes:

• Hot reload with dotnet watch
• Remote debugging support with vsdbg
• Source code mapping for breakpoints
• Development environment variables

Running with Docker (without compose)

1. Build the Docker image:

   docker build -t crosswords .

2. Run the container:

   docker run -d -p 5000:8080 --name crosswords-app crosswords

3. Open your browser and navigate to:

   http://localhost:5000
   

Development

The application uses:

• ASP.NET Core 10.0 for the backend
• Vanilla JavaScript for the frontend
• Central package management with Directory.Packages.props