SudokuNova v0.2.1: Improving the Windows Desktop Experience with Kotlin

The SudokuNova v0.2.1 update, now available on GitHub, enhances the Windows desktop experience. This maintenance release focuses on improving desktop-specific elements while preserving the shared Sudoku gameplay foundation. SudokuNova, an open-source offline-first Sudoku app, is built with Kotlin and Compose Multiplatform.

Key additions in this release include native desktop menus with actions like creating a puzzle, undoing moves, toggling notes, requesting hints, resetting puzzles, and exiting the application. The Help menu grants access to the developer's website and source repository. Keyboard shortcuts have been implemented, with Ctrl+N to create a new puzzle, Ctrl+Z to undo a move, Ctrl+M to toggle notes, and Ctrl+H for hints. On macOS, the shortcuts use the Command key.

Desktop window behavior has been refined, opening at a more comfortable size and remaining resizable. Users can now choose their installation directory, and the installer includes a Start-menu group, a stable upgrade identifier for future versions, and automated verification of essential MSI metadata. A note of caution: since v0.2.0 didn't use the same upgrade identifier, direct upgrades from that version aren't guaranteed.

The release engineering process now builds and verifies packages for Windows, macOS, and Linux, along with WebAssembly distribution files and development/testing artifacts. The Android debug APK and iOS simulator framework are intended for testing and development, respectively, not direct device installation.