lab8-pygame

Simple Pygame animation with randomly sized, randomly colored squares that move around the screen with autonomous behavior.

Features

• 20 squares spawn at random positions by default.
• Random properties: Each square gets a random size, color, speed, and lifespan.
• Size-speed correlation: Smaller squares move faster than bigger squares.
• Autonomous behavior:
  • Fleeing: Smaller squares flee away from nearby larger squares (threats).
  • Chasing: Larger squares chase nearby smaller squares (prey).
  • Detection range: Behavior triggers only when other squares are within MIN_DETECTION_RANGE.
• Lifespan: Each square has a limited lifespan (MIN_LIFE_TIME to MAX_LIFE_TIME seconds); when expired, a new square spawns.
• Physics: Squares bounce off window edges, keeping their speed and reversing direction.
• Time-based movement: Velocity is scaled by elapsed time, ensuring consistent motion regardless of frame rate.

How it works

• init_game() sets up Pygame, the window, frame clock, and HUD font.
• create_squares() builds the initial square list.
• create_square() generates a single square with random properties.
• find_closest_square() detects the nearest threat (larger square) or prey (smaller square) within range.
• calculate_new_direction() balances fleeing and chasing forces, combining both behaviors when both apply.
• run_loop() drives the frame cycle: input, update, draw, and timing.
• update_squares() moves each square, manages lifetimes, and applies flee/chase behavior.
• draw_scene() clears the screen, draws the FPS text, and renders every square.

Constants

• WIDTH, HEIGHT: Window dimensions (2000×1500).
• FPS: Target frame rate (60 FPS).
• SQUARE_COUNT: Initial number of squares (20).
• MIN_SPEED, MAX_SPEED: Speed range in pixels per second (60–300).
• MIN_SQUARE_SIZE, MAX_SQUARE_SIZE: Square size range (15–75 pixels).
• MIN_LIFE_TIME, MAX_LIFE_TIME: Lifespan range in seconds (10–60).
• CHASING_FACTOR: Multiplier for chase direction intensity (2.0).
• MIN_DETECTION_RANGE: Extra distance for behavior detection (40 pixels).

Requirements

• Python 3.10+
• pygame

Setup

python3 -m pip install pygame

Run

python3 main.py

Controls

• Close window to quit.
• Press Esc or q to quit.

Notes

• The window size (1200×900) ensures motion is easy to observe.
• The square count and lifespan can be tuned in main.py constants.
• Smaller squares are more vulnerable (flee behavior); larger squares are predatory (chase behavior).
• Behavior is continuous throughout each square's lifespan.