Python Project: Rock, Paper, Scissors (Console)

Spec Sheet — Rock, Paper, Scissors

Project File: rock_paper_scissors.py Platform: Console Must Have: Validation, Random Choice, Win Logic, Score, Replay

Goal

Create a console game where the user plays Rock, Paper, Scissors against the computer.

Game Rules

• Rock beats Scissors
• Scissors beats Paper
• Paper beats Rock
• Same choice = Tie

Requirements

User Input

• Ask the user to enter: rock, paper, or scissors
• Input is case-insensitive (accept Rock, ROCK, etc.)
• If input is invalid, show an error message and ask again (input validation)

Computer Choice

• Computer randomly chooses rock/paper/scissors each round.

Round Result

• Display user choice, computer choice, and the result (Win/Lose/Tie).

Score Tracking

• Track: user wins, computer wins, ties.
• Display the scoreboard after each round.

Replay

• After each round, ask: Play again? (y/n)
• End when the user chooses n

Final Output

• Print the final score and overall winner.

Actual Python Code — rock_paper_scissors.py

"""
File: rock_paper_scissors.py
Rock, Paper, Scissors (Console)

Skills:
- input validation
- conditionals (if/elif/else)
- loops
- random choice
- score tracking

Author: Joe Cusack
Date: 02/28/2026
"""

import random


def get_user_choice(options):
    """
    Repeatedly prompt user until a valid choice is entered.
    Returns a lowercase valid choice.
    """
    while True:
        choice = input("Enter rock, paper, or scissors: ").strip().lower()
        if choice in options:
            return choice
        print("Invalid choice. Please type: rock, paper, or scissors.\n")


def get_winner(user_choice, computer_choice):
    """
    Returns:
      'tie', 'user', or 'computer'
    """
    if user_choice == computer_choice:
        return "tie"

    # Winning conditions for the user
    user_wins = (
        (user_choice == "rock" and computer_choice == "scissors") or
        (user_choice == "scissors" and computer_choice == "paper") or
        (user_choice == "paper" and computer_choice == "rock")
    )

    return "user" if user_wins else "computer"


def play_again():
    """
    Ask user if they want to play another round.
    Returns True for yes, False for no.
    """
    while True:
        answer = input("Play again? (y/n): ").strip().lower()
        if answer in ("y", "n"):
            return answer == "y"
        print("Please enter y or n.\n")


def main():
    options = ["rock", "paper", "scissors"]
    user_wins = 0
    computer_wins = 0
    ties = 0

    print("=== Rock, Paper, Scissors ===\n")

    while True:
        user_choice = get_user_choice(options)
        computer_choice = random.choice(options)

        print(f"\nYou chose:      {user_choice}")
        print(f"Computer chose: {computer_choice}")

        winner = get_winner(user_choice, computer_choice)

        if winner == "tie":
            ties += 1
            print("Result: TIE!")
        elif winner == "user":
            user_wins += 1
            print("Result: YOU WIN!")
        else:
            computer_wins += 1
            print("Result: COMPUTER WINS!")

        print("\n--- Scoreboard ---")
        print(f"You:      {user_wins}")
        print(f"Computer: {computer_wins}")
        print(f"Ties:     {ties}")
        print("------------------\n")

        if not play_again():
            break

    print("\n=== Final Results ===")
    print(f"You:      {user_wins}")
    print(f"Computer: {computer_wins}")
    print(f"Ties:     {ties}")

    if user_wins > computer_wins:
        print("Overall Winner: YOU!")
    elif computer_wins > user_wins:
        print("Overall Winner: COMPUTER!")
    else:
        print("Overall Winner: TIE!")

    print("\nThanks for playing!")


if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()