Ticket 2: Basic Flask Server Setup (Est. 30 mins) (Actual: 45 mins)

[jkbrooks]

Title: Flask Server Integration for Nomic Game

Description:
The objective of this task is to initiate the development of a Flask-based web server for our existing Nomic game codebase. This will mark the first step towards creating an interactive, multiplayer environment for the game, accessible via a web interface. The Flask server will act as the backbone for future expansions, including real-time player interactions, rule change proposals, and voting mechanisms.

Key Tasks:

• Flask Installation and Setup: Begin by setting up a new Python virtual environment and install Flask. This environment will be used to develop and test the Flask application without affecting the global Python setup.
• Flask Application Structure: Establish a modular application structure by creating an app directory. Within this directory, create an init.py file to initialize the Flask application, and a routes.py file to handle the routing.
• Initializing Flask App: In the init.py file, import Flask and initialize the Flask application object. Configure the app to run in development mode for easier debugging during the initial development phase.

Defining Routes:

• Implement a home (/) route in the routes.py file. This route should return a welcoming HTML page or JSON response that introduces players to the Nomic game, encouraging them to participate.
• Optionally, add a placeholder route for the game (/game) that, for now, might simply return a message indicating that the game functionalities are under construction.
• Integrating Nomic Game Logic: Start planning on how the existing Nomic game logic can be integrated into the Flask app. While this task does not require the complete integration, draft a brief plan or comments in the code indicating where and how the game logic will be incorporated in future tasks.

Running the Flask Server: Ensure that the Flask server can be started locally and is accessible via a web browser. Provide instructions in the README file on how to start the server and access the home page.

Documentation and Comments: Document the setup process, application structure, and route definitions. Comments should be clear and informative, providing insights into the purpose and functionality of each code section.

Deliverables:

• A Python virtual environment with Flask installed.
• An app directory with init.py and routes.py files for application initialization and routing.
• A functional Flask application capable of running locally and displaying a welcoming message on the home route.
• A README file with setup instructions and a brief plan for future integration of the Nomic game logic.
• This task lays the groundwork for a multiplayer Nomic game platform, setting the stage for future enhancements that will bring the game to life on the web.