🦖 Dinosaur Exploder

An open-source learning platform disguised as a shoot 'em up game
Built with Java/FXGL and Next.js • Perfect for your first (or next) contribution

🚀 Quick Start 📋 Browse Issues 💬 Discord 🌐 Website

This isn't just a game—it's a real-world project designed for learning and collaboration. Whether you're looking to:

• ✅ Make your first open-source contribution
• ✅ Build experience with Java game development (JavaFX, FXGL)
• ✅ Work with modern web tech (Next.js, TypeScript, React)
• ✅ Practice Git workflows, CI/CD, and testing
• ✅ Join a friendly community that helps each other learn

You're in the right place! 🎉

⭐ Like what you see? Star the repo to help others discover it!

A classic arcade shooter with:

• 🎮 Java game engine (JavaFX + FXGL)
• 🌐 Next.js website for docs, galleries, and community features
• 🔄 CI/CD pipeline with GitHub Actions
• 🧪 Unit tests and best practices
• 🔓 Open architecture for easy contributions

# 1. Fork the repo on GitHub
# 2. Clone your fork
git clone git@github.com:<your-username>/dinosaur-exploder.git
cd dinosaur-exploder

# 3. Build and run
mvn clean install
mvn javafx:run

# 4. (Optional) Install git hooks for code quality checks
./scripts/install-hooks.sh

# Or using an IDE: 
# - Open project in IntelliJ
# - Run com.dinosaur.dinosaurexploder.DinosaurApp or hit the run button at the top right

mvn test

mvn jpro:run
# Open http://localhost:8080

# 1. Fork the repo on GitHub
# 2. Clone your fork
git clone git@github.com:<your-username>/dinosaur-exploder.git
cd dinosaur-exploder/website

# 3. Install and run
npm install
npm run dev

# Open http://localhost:3000

npm test
npm run lint

New to open source? Start here:

• good first issue - Perfect for beginners
• help wanted - We'd love help with these
• documentation - No coding required

Ready for more? Check:

• enhancement - New features
• bug - Fix something broken

Have your own idea? Open a discussion first!

1. Create a branch: git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
2. Make your changes (don't forget tests!)
3. Commit: git commit -m "Add: description of your change"
4. Push: git push origin feature/your-feature-name
5. Open a Pull Request on GitHub

📖 Full guidelines: CONTRIBUTING.md

• 📘 Wiki - Architecture, guides, and tutorials
• 🎨 Project Website - Game info and community content
• 🤝 Code of Conduct - Our community standards
• 📋 Contributing Guide - Detailed contribution workflow

Get help, share ideas, or just hang out:

• 💬 Discord - Real-time chat with the community (most active!)
• 🗨️ GitHub Discussions - Q&A, ideas, and announcements
• 🐦 Twitter - Project updates

Stuck? Don't hesitate to ask! We're here to help you learn. 🦖

Requirements: Java 21

Download the latest release:

• 🪟 Windows
• 🐧 Linux
• 🍎 macOS

java -jar dinosaur-exploder-<platform>-<version>.jar

Controls: Arrow keys (move) • Space (shoot) • E (shield) • B (bomb) • Esc (pause)

I created this project in 2022 at Munster Technological University (MTU Cork) as a school assignment with two classmates. After the semester ended, I decided to transform it into something bigger: a welcoming space where developers can gain real-world experience through meaningful contributions.

The goal isn't perfection—it's learning by doing. Every issue is an opportunity, and every contributor makes this project better.

MIT License - see LICENSE for details.