Diagnil: Diagramless Crossword Assistant

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Diagnil is a software application to help solvers of diagramless crossword puzzles. It supports the process of solving puzzles using externally provided clues, such as those distributed in print form.

Untapped Potential

The diagramless puzzle is a crossword variant where only word clues are provided; word locations are not disclosed. (If a grid is supplied, it is completely blank.) Solving a diagramless puzzle requires determining not only the words but also their correct placement on the grid.

Despite the ubiquity of standard crosswords, the diagramless variety remains much less popular. Why this is so can be debated. One plausible reason is that diagramless puzzles are viewed as overly difficult. Though not suitable for beginners, they are easier to solve than is often presumed.

A second, more justifiable reason is that the solving mechanics can be tedious, especially when working on paper. Although the intellectual challenge of diagramless puzzles is appealing, the awkwardness of frequently redrawing to converge on the correct word layout can sap the enjoyment from what should be recreation. While brilliant solvers are undaunted, mere mortals wear out their erasers.

Enabling Technology

Diagnil is a software tool designed to remove much of the tedium and make diagramless puzzle solving practical and enjoyable for most crossword enthusiasts. Software tools for crosswords are readily available, of course. Some have addressed the diagramless variant, albeit in a minor way. If you have tried such tools and found them wanting, you might find Diagnil's style of operation more to your liking. Diagnil is a departure from those other tools as it is optimized for one task: it's all diagramless, all the time.

In a nutshell, you can use this application to solve diagramless puzzles by entering words, placing them on a grid, and making adjustments until the final shape is achieved. All you need to begin are lists of word clues obtained from books, newspapers or other sources. Puzzles as large as those published in Sunday newspapers (typically 21 by 21) are accommodated easily.

Release Information

Comments Welcome

Experience reports from users are encouraged. It would be helpful to hear about any difficulties encountered either when installing the software or while using it for puzzle solving. Positive reports are welcome, too. Let me know if Diagnil meets its objective of enabling you to become a regular solver of diagramless puzzles.