Project: Mad Libs Generator

Time to combine your string handling skills with user interaction. You'll build a Mad Libs generator that takes user input and creates a hilarious story. This project reinforces form handling, string manipulation, and the string functions you've just learned.

Mad Libs function by requesting specific word types from users while keeping the story context hidden. When users submit their words, you insert them into a pre-written story template to create unexpected and often amusing results.

Assignment

Create a PHP application that presents users with a form requesting different types of words, then generates a completed Mad Libs story using their input. The application should demonstrate proper form handling, string manipulation, and formatting for an engaging user experience.

Your Mad Libs generator must handle the complete user journey from empty form to finished story display.

Learning Objectives

By completing this project, you'll demonstrate your ability to:

Process form data using $_POST superglobal
Apply string functions for text formatting and manipulation
Combine user input with pre-written templates using string interpolation
Handle the request-response cycle in web applications
Create dynamic content that responds to user interaction
Format output for improved readability and user experience

Requirements

Your Mad Libs application must include these specific elements:

Form Input Collection (8 different word types)

2 adjectives (describing words)
2 nouns (people, places, or things)
2 verbs (action words)
1 adverb (describes how something is done)
1 number

String Processing Requirements

Apply at least 3 different string functions to format user input
Use proper capitalization where appropriate in the story
Demonstrate both string concatenation and interpolation
Clean user input by trimming whitespace

Story Template

Create one pre-written story template with 8 blanks
The completed story should be 4-6 sentences long
Story should make sense grammatically when filled in
Include variety in how words are used (subjects, objects, descriptions)

User Experience Elements

Clear instructions for what types of words to enter
Professional-looking form with proper labels
Formatted story output that's easy to read
Option to generate a new story after viewing results

Step-by-Step Approach

Break this project into manageable phases rather than trying to build everything simultaneously.

Step 1: Create the Story Template

Start by writing your story template with placeholders. Focus on creating something that will be funny regardless of what words users enter.

// Example template structure (create your own)
$storyTemplate = "The [adjective1] [noun1] [adverb] [verb1] to the [noun2]...";

Step 2: Build the Input Form

Create an HTML form that collects all required word types. Use descriptive labels and organize the inputs logically.

Step 3: Process Form Submission

Handle the $_POST data when users submit the form. Start with basic processing before adding string functions.

Step 4: Apply String Functions

Enhance the user input using string functions you've learned. Consider capitalization, formatting, and cleanup.

Step 5: Generate the Final Story

Combine the processed input with your story template to create the completed Mad Libs story.

Step 6: Polish the Output

Format the final story for maximum readability and visual appeal.

Example Story Structure

Your completed story should follow a pattern similar to this (but create your own content):

Yesterday, I decided to [verb1] to the [adjective1] [noun1]. When I arrived, I saw [number] [adjective2] [noun2] [verb2] [adverb] around the area. It was the most [adjective1] experience of my life!

Don't copy this exact template. Create your own story that will produce entertaining results with user input.

Technical Implementation Tips

Form Organization: Group related inputs together and use clear, specific labels. Instead of just "noun," use "noun (person)" or "noun (place)" to guide users.

String Function Application: Consider where each string function adds value:

ucfirst() for the beginning of sentences
strtolower() for consistency before other formatting
trim() for cleaning user input
ucwords() for proper noun formatting

Input Processing: Clean and format user input before inserting it into your story. This prevents formatting issues and improves the final result.

Output Formatting: Make the completed story visually distinct from the form. Consider using HTML formatting to enhance readability.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't overcomplicate the story template. A simple, straightforward story works better than something overly complex. Users should be able to understand the humor without struggling to parse complicated sentences.

Don't skip input cleaning. Always trim whitespace from user input. Users often accidentally include extra spaces that will make your story look unprofessional.

Don't assume users understand grammar terms. Provide examples or clearer descriptions. Instead of "adverb," consider "word ending in -ly that describes how something is done."

Don't make the form intimidating. Keep instructions simple and the interface clean. Users should focus on being creative with their word choices, not figuring out how to use your application.

Extension Challenges

Once you have the basic requirements working, try these optional enhancements:

Create multiple story templates and let users choose which one to complete
Add input validation to ensure users actually entered words (we'll cover this properly in later lessons)
Save completed stories and display a "hall of fame" of the funniest ones
Add character limits to prevent extremely long inputs that break formatting
Create themed story templates (adventure, romance, horror, etc.)

Submission Requirements

Create a single PHP file (like mad_libs.php) that contains both the form and the processing logic. The file should:

Display the input form when first loaded
Process submitted data and show the completed story
Include proper HTML structure and basic styling
Use appropriate string functions throughout
Handle the complete user interaction flow

Test your application thoroughly. Try entering different types of words and ensure the story makes grammatical sense and produces entertaining results.

Assessment Criteria

Your project will be evaluated on:

Functionality: Does the application correctly process form input and generate stories?
String Manipulation: Are string functions properly applied and used effectively?
Code Quality: Is the code well-organized and properly commented?
User Experience: Is the interface clear and easy to use?
Requirements Compliance: Are all specified elements included and working?
Story Quality: Does the template produce entertaining and grammatically correct results?

Remember, this project focuses on reinforcing the concepts you've learned about string handling and form processing. Don't worry about advanced features or perfect design. Focus on clean, working code that demonstrates your understanding of PHP fundamentals.

The goal is creating something functional and fun while practicing essential web development skills. Take time to test different word combinations and ensure your story template produces consistently entertaining results.

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