C++ SFML Drawing Tablet

Overview

A custom, command-based drawing application built from scratch in C++ using the Simple and Fast Multimedia Library (SFML). Inspired by classic Turtle Graphics, this application parses text-based user commands to manipulate a virtual pen on the screen.

This project was developed to demonstrate core programming fundamentals, including custom string parsing, 2D array manipulation, matrix-based history tracking, and file I/O operations.

Key Features

• Custom Command Parser: Interprets string inputs to execute movement, rotation, and drawing actions.
• Command History Tracking: Dynamically displays valid, incomplete, and invalid commands in separate UI columns.
• Loop Logic: Supports nested-style repeat commands to execute complex geometric patterns.
• State Management: Tracks pen state (up/down), current angle, coordinates, and active colors.
• File I/O: Users can save their drawn patterns to text files and load them later to redraw sequences automatically.

Supported Commands

Movement & Drawing

• fd <value> or forward <value>: Moves the pen forward by the specified pixel value.
• bk <value> or backward <value>: Moves the pen backward.
• rt <value> / lt <value>: Rotates the pen to the right/left by the specified angle in degrees.
• circle <radius>: Draws a circle with the specified radius.

Pen Settings

• width <value> or w <value>: Sets the thickness of the pen.
• pu / pd: Pen Up (moves without drawing) / Pen Down (resumes drawing).
• color <color_name>: Changes the pen color (e.g., RED, BLUE, CYAN, TRANSPARENT).

Advanced Operations

• repeat [times [commands]]: Executes a set of commands multiple times. Example: repeat [4 [fd 100 rt 90]] draws a square.
• save "<filename>" / load "<filename>": Saves or loads drawing sequences to/from a local text file.
• cs or clear screen: Clears the canvas.

Technical Requirements & Setup

• Language: C++11 or higher.
• Dependencies: SFML (Simple and Fast Multimedia Library) 2.5+.
• Fonts: The application utilizes arial.ttf (included in the repository for cross-platform compatibility).

To Run Locally: Ensure SFML is properly linked in your compiler settings (graphics, window, and system modules required). Place the arial.ttf file in the same directory as your compiled executable.