How to use the command snake4 (with examples)

Snake4 is a command-line game that allows users to play the classic snake game within the terminal. It provides a simple and interactive way to entertain oneself while using the command line. This article will illustrate each use case of the snake4 command, including starting the game, choosing a level, navigating the snake, pausing the game, quitting the game, and showing high scores.

Use case 1: Start a snake game

Code:

snake4

Motivation: Starting a snake game allows users to engage in a classic, entertaining game directly within the terminal. It can serve as a fun activity during breaks or when looking for a quick distraction.

Explanation: By simply running the snake4 command, the snake game will start in the terminal. The game provides a visual interface within the terminal window, allowing users to control the snake and interact with the game using keyboard inputs.

Example output:

---> Start game <---
==================================================
Score: 0
Level: 1
==================================================
║                     ║                     
║                     ║                    
║                     ║                    
║                     ║                     
║                ■ ■ ║                     
║                     ║                     
║                     ║                     
║                     ║                     
║                     ║                     
║                     ║                     
==================================================

Use case 2: Choose a level

Code:

snake4
1|2|3|4|5

Motivation: Choosing a level allows users to adjust the difficulty of the game based on their skill level or preference. It provides flexibility and accommodates players of different experience levels.

Explanation: After starting the game, users can choose a level by entering a number between 1 and 5. Each level corresponds to a different speed or complexity of the game. The higher the level number, the faster the snake will move and the more challenging the game becomes.

Example output:

Please choose a level (1|2|3|4|5): 3
Level selected: 3

Use case 3: Navigate the snake

Code:

snake4
Up|Down|Left|Right arrow key

Motivation: Navigating the snake allows users to control its movement and collect food or avoid obstacles, thereby progressing in the game. It adds an interactive element and challenges the player’s reflexes and strategic thinking.

Explanation: Once the snake game is started, users can navigate the snake by pressing the arrow keys on their keyboard. Each arrow key corresponds to a direction: Up, Down, Left, or Right. The snake will move accordingly in the chosen direction until another arrow key is pressed.

Example output: N/A (Visual output in the game)

Use case 4: Pause game

Code:

snake4
Spacebar

Motivation: Pausing the game allows users to take a break or temporarily halt the gameplay without losing their progress. It provides convenience and flexibility while playing the game.

Explanation: During the snake game, users can pause the game by pressing the Spacebar key. This action will temporarily freeze the game, allowing users to resume from the same state when ready.

Example output: N/A (Visual output in the game)

Use case 5: Quit game

Code:

snake4
q

Motivation: Quitting the game allows users to exit the game and return to the command line. It provides a quick way to stop playing the game when needed.

Explanation: While in the snake game, users can quit the game by pressing the ‘q’ key. This will exit the game and return to the command line interface.

Example output: N/A

Use case 6: Show high scores

Code:

snake4 --highscores

Motivation: Showing the high scores allows users to view the top scores achieved by themselves or other players, promoting competition and encouraging improvement. It adds a competitive aspect to the game.

Explanation: By appending --highscores to the snake4 command, the high scores for the game will be displayed. This will show the top scores achieved by players, including the score value and the level at which the score was achieved.

Example output:

=== High Scores ===
1. Player1 - Level: 3, Score: 100
2. Player2 - Level: 2, Score: 80
3. Player3 - Level: 1, Score: 50

Conclusion:

The snake4 command provides a fun and interactive way to play the snake game directly within the terminal. Users can start the game, choose a level, navigate the snake, pause the game, quit the game, and even view high scores. Whether as a quick diversion or a longer-lasting entertainment, snake4 offers a delightful gaming experience without leaving the command line.