Terminal Snake Game
Terminal Snake Game
Developed a real-time, single-player snake game inspired by Slither.io, where players control a snake to collect food, grow longer, and try to avoid crashing.
Project Type: Program & Game Development
Software & Languages Used: GitHub, Visual Studio Code, ChatGTP, Python
Project Brief
Develop a software application, the function of which is open-ended. The primary requirement is to utilize tools, languages, or technologies not previously covered in class. The goal is to explore and experiment with technologies like AI.
Guidelines:
Select a Project Concept - Begin with a software idea. If a concept is not already in mind, artificial intelligence tools can be used to brainstorm potential directions by describing interests or desired outcomes.
Leverage AI Tools for Support - AI can serve as a development assistant throughout the process. AI tools may assist with generating initial code, identifying bugs, exploring new technologies, or proposing additional features.
Build and Test the Application - Once a code base is generated, it should be implemented and tested. Evaluate functionality and usability. Consider aspects such as performance, design, and potential enhancements.
Iterate and Improve - Refine the project by adding new features or improving existing ones. Enhancements may be made using code or through natural language interaction with AI tools. Multiple programming languages or frameworks may be used as appropriate.
Process
Brainstorm
I started by brainstorming several ideas for different programs. I ultimately landed on the snake game idea due to my enthusiasm for the concept.
Coding
After choosing a direction, I began coding the program using Python, GitHub, and ChatGTP.
Debugging
As I coded, I continuously refined the program. I added "Start" and "Game Over" screens and fixed scoring bugs.
Final Program
The final program features "Start", "Game Over", and "Repay" screens. It tracks user's current and high score.
Takeaways
This project gave me a deeper understanding of both the power and limitations of AI in the development process. The challenge was to use AI to build something beyond our current coding abilities, and it definitely helped accelerate the workflow and solve problems I wouldn’t have been able to tackle on my own. That said, I quickly learned that AI isn’t perfect. It often took multiple, carefully worded prompts to get usable code, and even then, there were mistakes that needed troubleshooting. I came away from this experience seeing AI as an incredibly useful tool, but one that still requires a human eye for quality, logic, and usability.
Successes
One of the biggest wins in this project was getting the game screen border and background to render correctly, which took a lot of trial and error. Setting up the different menus and getting them to work smoothly was also a challenge, so finally getting that functionality in place felt like a big accomplishment. I’m especially proud of the opening screen with directions, which really improves the overall usability and helps players understand how to jump right in.
Changes
If I could fix one thing, it would definitely be the snake’s movement. For some reason, when the snake moves vertically, it becomes thinner and speeds up, which makes it frustrating to play. It throws off the pacing and makes it harder to control, aim for the food, or avoid crashing into yourself. I’m not entirely sure how to solve that yet, but it’s something I’d love to revisit and debug.
Contact
I’m always excited to connect and discuss new opportunities, projects, or collaborations. Whether you have a question, a project idea, or want to work together, feel free to reach out!