Computer Go – Specifications of formats and protocols

• Most computer software now records games in SGF, or "Smart Game Format". This is a text-based format. SGF File Format FF[4] is specified here.

• Many older game records are in "Ishi format", and this format is still used by some software. This is a text-based format. Ishi format is specified here.

• The Go Modem Protocol, or GMP, used to be the closest thing we had to a protocol for two computer go programs to communicate with each other. It is widely implemented and used. Originally designed for use over a serial cable, it can and also be used across a network connection. It is defined here. The information here is from a discussion on the computer go mailing list during January, 2001.

• The Go Text Protocol, or GTP, is a potential replacement for the GMP. It should be able to do everything that the GMP can do, and more. It allows a Go-playing program to communicate directly with another program, which may be another Go-playing program, a front-end or client program, or a Go server. Here are some helpful links.
  • "GoGui", Markus Enzenberger's GNU implementation in Java.
  • GTP, version 1, information about the GTP, including its specification, and C code to implement it.
  • GTP, version 2, draft specification.
  • Phil Garcia's implementation over TCP/IP.
  • The GTP mailing list.