Test Your Knowledge

Python

For backend development

PyGame

For frontend development

Microsoft SQL Server

For database

Test Your Knowledge

Summary

This project was developed in Python using ATOM. The aim of this project was to create a travel-related quiz. For my first project, I wanted to do something I am really interested in so this was an easy decision to make as I personally enjoy playing games like this and I was also able to incorporate one of my biggest passions - travel. Inspiration for this quiz was a game called 'Knowledge is Power'.

The project is currently stored on a local server, but the goal is to deploy it to a global server so that the game can be accessed online.
I have used a Microsoft SQL Server as a database for this game. It currently stores questions, however, the plan is to also develop an option to create a player account, which seems to be the biggest challenge at the moment as I am trying to find ways to ensure this is secure.

How to install

1. To install this project on your computer, you will need to set up a Microsoft SQL server first - find out how here.

2. Create a database in the SQL server called 'QuizDB'.

3. Add questions into the database. Make sure you follow the schema so that the questions are used correctly in the game. Pay attention to 'correct answer' and 'category' tables.

4. Set up pygame.

5. Get the code for this project from my Github account.

6. Have fun :)

Python

To start the project, I have developed the main file with two classes: Game() and Button(). These create the scope of the game, focusing on creating texts, uploading images, and interactive buttons. The Game() class also introduces important variables such as keeping track of the current screen, storing scores, and the number of questions.

I have made the decision to not hard-code some of the aspects of the game, such as question_count or points so that each player can easily modify these to their preferences.

Each screen is written in a different file so that it acts as a game would from the start, therefore, it is very clear what each screen does and what the purposes of each class and function are. This follows from SOLID principles.

Each screen inherits a class ScreenIntercae() with two functions: screen_run() and button_function_run(). This means that the code is easy to follow and allows the screens to work together seamlessly.

PyGame

When starting the game, the player is welcomed with a title and a 'start' button. It then goes to the next screen which asks a player to pick a category. Once a category is chosen, the question will appear. The question screen gives the player a question from the chosen category and four answers. If the player has chosen the correct answer, the next screen will say 'Correct' and will add 100 points however, if the chosen answer was wrong then a screen will appear saying 'Wrong' and what the answer should have been. At the moment, the player can answer two questions before the game ends however if the player decides to play again, then the end screen will keep track of the total points and how many answers in total were either correct or wrong.

Microsoft SQL Server

As I was learning about SQL and understanding more about its benefits, I have decided to incorporate it into my project. I thought it would be the best way to show my abilities as a programmer.

The project's database is stored in Microsoft SQL Server so that it is easy to update. It is then accessed in Python by calling the server and choosing the right database. A simple for loop has been used to access all the questions.

Future plans for the development of this project are to enable online players to create their own quizzes with questions that are going to be stored in the SQL Server, therefore it made perfect sense to integrate SQL from the start.