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Python Universe Builder

Introduction

The Python Universe Builder (aka PUB) is a set of Python modules for writing text-based adventure games or interacti ve fiction.

Features

sophisticated sentence parser (in some ways, better than Infocom's)
fully object-oriented
rich, deep language which is remarkably easy to learn and use
includes full source code for the system
may be connected to other services (web, TCP/IP, scripting languages, etc.)
may be extended in C, C++, FORTRAN, etc.
runs on almost any platform
may be used as a multi-player network game (i.e., a MUD)
free for non-commercial use

Many of these features are simply the features of Python itself, which is one of the best languages I've ever seen (and definitely the best interpreted language I've ever seen). In addition, the PUB modules offer some innovative features not found in other interactive-fiction builders:

an event-based scheduler which handles timing in a powerful way
output is directed not just at the player, but at any object which is listening
all actors (both the player and NPCs) have equal status and abilities (though these may, of course, be modified by the game designer)

Download PUB

PUB currently consists of seven source files:

pub.py - defines "global" variables
pubcore.py - defines essential datatypes, functions, and constants
pubverbs.py - defines standard verbs
pubobjs.py - defines standard objects
picklemod.py - "pickle" (save) entire modules
gadgets.py - defines more specific objects
pubdemo.py - simple demo game

And two optional files (for making a network game):

pubtcp.py - adds network support
tcpdemo.py - adaptation of pubdemo as a MUD

The files were last modified 6/01/99 , with several updates to work correctly under Python 1.5.2.

Simply download each one and put them somewhere in your Python path. Then launch python with pubdemo.py (e.g., type python pubdemo.py or if you're on a Mac, drag pubdemo.py onto the Python application).

Or, if you'd rather, you can get pub.tar.gz, a complete copy of the PUB files and documentation packed with tar and gzip. Filenames are kept short enough to work on even the most primitive file systems.

Note: PUB files are all written with a standard Mac text editor, in which tabs are equal to four spaces. If your editor can only use eight-space tabs, you may be interested in tabfix.py.

How should I start?

First, look at some games written with PUB. Depending on your system, you may need to first get and install Python (which is free), or you may be able to get stand-alone executables.

Next, read the documentation, which includes a simple tutorial. This will lead you through the process of creating a very simple interactive-fiction game from scratch.

Then browse the library reference. This shows you all the great object classes that have already been defined, so all you have to do is drop them in your game and give them names and descriptions.

Finally, go back to the games you've played a bit, and examine their code. Now that you've gotten the general idea, you should be able to understand what makes these games do what they do, and you're ready to start designing your own.

http://www.strout.net/python/pub/index.htm
Last Modified: 6/01/99 . . . . . . Joe Strout . . . joe@strout.net