[prog] Finding the right algorithm for the job

[Guru -]

Hi,

I'm a fairly new programmer, (second year computer science student).

As part of one of my units this semester we are required to create a simple 
game which involves a sort of 2 man race around a circuit. (For simplicity 
consider this a rectangular circuit...).

One character will be controlled by AI, and the other by a person, there 
will be obstacles to avoid, and players can bounce off each other and off 
objects (bouncing effect should be similar to that of pool/8-ball/snooker).

The problem is we are to research and find our own algorithm to base the AI 
off.

While I've just completed a unit on Data Structures and Algorithms and this 
did teach us a lot of useful algorithms, it was more based on the design of 
algorithms rather than using pre-existing algorithms.

The problem is where do I start? Google?

I'm not quite sure where or how to find an algorithm for a specific 
purpose..

Collegues suggested looking at other games which are similar and getting 
their source code, this is one way, but I would find it easier and prefer to 
find any sites that have algorithms and maybe example implentation.

If anyone has ideas, then please remember that this is a HTML based game 
(javascript programmiing)  so the code has to be small and efficient, where 
not expected to make a really good AI (I hope :)).

Note: The assignment is to be done in javascript...(although what I'm 
looking for right now is algorithms because we don't learn the javascript 
part for another month or two).

Regards,
Gareth

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