How do I model a chessboard when programming a computer to play chess?

Question

What data structures would you use to represent a chessboard for a computer chess program?

Answer 1

I would use a multidimensional array so that each element in an array is a grid reference to a square on the board.

Thus

board = arrary(A = array (1,2,3,4,5,5,6,7,8),
               B = array (12,3,.... etc...
               etc...          
               )

Then board[A][1] is then the board square A1.

In reality you would use numbers not letters to help keep your maths logic for where pieces are allowed to move to simple.