game24_net-0.2.0 is not a library.

24 Point Network Game (Rust TUI)

A multiplayer, terminal-based implementation of the classic 24 Game logic puzzle, written in Rust. This project features a TCP client-server architecture, allowing multiple players to compete simultaneously in real-time using a clean Text User Interface (TUI).

🎮 Game Overview

The objective is simple: given four randomly generated numbers, use arithmetic operations to calculate the value 24.

Players compete in a shared lobby. The first player to submit a valid expression that equals 24 wins the round and gains a point.

🚀 Features

Multiplayer: Support for multiple clients connecting to a central server.
Real-time TUI: Split-screen interface showing game status, live chat/logs, and an interactive input field.
Smart Input: Custom keyboard shortcuts for complex math operations (like auto-parentheses).
Rate Limiting: Prevents spamming to ensure fair play.
No Penalty Mode: Incorrect answers do not deduct points, encouraging experimentation.

📜 Game Rules

The Cards: Each round, the server generates 4 random numbers (integers between 1 and 10).
The Goal: Construct a mathematical expression that equals exactly 24.
Valid Operators:

Addition (+)
Subtraction (-)
Multiplication (*)
Division (/)
Exponentiation/Power (^)
Parentheses () for grouping.

Constraints:

You must use all four numbers provided.
You must use each number exactly once.
You can use the operators as many times as needed.

Winning a Round: The first player to submit a correct expression gets +1 point. The round ends immediately, and the next set of numbers is generated.
Game Over: The game ends after a set number of rounds (default: 10). The player with the highest score wins.

⌨️ Controls & Input

The input system is designed for speed and convenience in a terminal environment.

Key / Input	Action
Number Keys	Input numbers (`0-9`)
Operators	Input `+`, `-`, `*`, `/`
`.` (Dot)	Auto-Bracket: Wraps your entire current expression in parentheses `(...)` and moves the cursor to the end.
`↑` (Up Arrow)	Power: Inserts the exponentiation symbol `^`.
Enter	Submit your answer or command.
Esc	Quit the game client.

Commands

Type these into the input bar:

/start - Start the game (if currently waiting).
/pass - Vote to skip the current difficult puzzle.
/score - Check your current score.
/players - List all connected players and their scores.
/help - Show the help menu.

🛠️ Installation & Usage

Prerequisites

Rust installed.

1. Build the Project

cargo build --release

2. Run the Server

Start the game server. You can specify the number of rounds and the port.

# Syntax: cargo run -- server [rounds] [IP:Port]

# Example (Start 10 rounds on default port):

cargo run -- server


# Example (Start 20 rounds on specific port):

cargo run -- server 20 0.0.0.0:7878

3. Run the Client(s)

Connect to the server. Open a new terminal window for each player.

# Syntax: cargo run -- client <Nickname> <IP:Port>

cargo run -- client Alice 127.0.0.1:7878

cargo run -- client Bob 127.0.0.1:7878

🧩 Example Gameplay

Server gives numbers: 3, 3, 8, 8

Player Input:

8 / ( 3 - 8 / 3 )

Result:

Correct! The player wins the round.

Using Special Controls: If you have typed 2+2 and want to multiply the result by 6:

Current input: 2+2
Press . (Dot) -> Becomes (2+2)
Type *6 -> Becomes (2+2)*6 -> 24.

📝 License

This project is open-source. Feel free to fork and modify!

game24_net 0.2.0