Interactive Directory in Python

Table of Contents

1. Challenge

   Step 1: Get oriented with the project

   In this project you will build a small Python command-line application that stores campus service information in a dictionary and helps a user find the right location and hours. The starter project is organized into focused modules: app/directory_data.py holds the dictionary helpers, app/display.py handles prompts and menu formatting, app/lookup.py coordinates safe lookups, and app/main.py runs the interactive loop. The tests folder contains one pytest file per step, and runTest.sh lets you run a single task test by name.

2. Challenge

   Step 2: Build the dictionary-based data layer

   Before a user can search for anything, the program needs an in-memory representation of available services. In this step you will create the starter dictionary, add a helper to update it, and produce a sorted list of service names for the menu.

3. Challenge

   Step 3: Prepare and present user input

   Users may type extra spaces or inconsistent capitalization, so input needs to be normalized before a dictionary lookup. In this step you will clean user input, wrap it in a prompt function, and format the available services into a numbered menu.

4. Challenge

   Step 4: Implement safe lookup behavior

   Now you will connect the data and display layers into an actual lookup flow. The focus is safe dictionary access — using dict.get to avoid crashes on missing keys — and clear result messages for both found and missing services.

5. Challenge

   Step 5: Polish the interactive flow

   The lookup flow works for a single request. Now add loop control so the user can search again, and a closing summary that reports the directory size.

6. Challenge

   Step 6: Run the finished application

   All the pieces are in place. In the terminal, run:

   python -m app.main
   

   When the menu appears, type a service name and press Enter. Try a service that exists and one that does not. When you are done searching, enter anything other than y or yes to exit and see the closing summary.