Falling sand simulation made with python using pygame

Requirements & Setup

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8+ installed (use python or python3 depending on your system).
• Git (optional) and a terminal/PowerShell.

Project dependencies are listed in requirements.txt Use a virtual environment to avoid conflicts

Create a virtual environment

Unix / macOS

python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
pip install -r requirements.txt

Windows (PowerShell)

python -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
pip install -r requirements.txt

Windows (Command Prompt)

python -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\activate.bat
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
pip install -r requirements.txt

To deactivate the virtual environment:

deactivate

Run the game

From the repository root (with the venv activated), run the main entry script. Replace main.py with the actual launcher file if different:

python main.py

On macOS/Linux, if your system uses python3, you can run:

python3 main.py

Without a virtual environment

You can also install dependencies system-wide (not recommended):

pip install -r requirements.txt
python main.py

Create or update requirements.txt

After installing or updating packages in your virtual environment:

pip freeze > requirements.txt

Notes & Troubleshooting

• Ensure you run commands from the project root where requirements.txt and the main script live.
• If pygame installation fails on macOS, ensure you have relevant SDL libraries (install via Homebrew) or consult pygame installation docs.
• If python points to Python 2 on your system, use python3 instead.