This Python project simulates the basic back and forward navigation functionality of a web browser using a command-line interface (CLI). It serves as a practical demonstration of how the Stack Abstract Data Type (ADT) can be used to manage browsing history.
The core logic utilizes two stacks: one to keep track of the "back" history and one for the "forward" history. The project includes a simple, self-contained Stack class implementation.
- Simulates visiting new URLs.
- Implements "Back" navigation (
<) to previously visited sites. - Implements "Forward" navigation (
>) to sites visited after going back. - Displays the currently viewed (simulated) URL.
- Uses a simple command-line interface for interaction.
- Includes a basic
Stackclass implementation (stack.py).
The navigation logic relies on two stacks, back and forward:
- Visiting a New Site (
=):- The current site is pushed onto the
backstack. - The
forwardstack is cleared (since going to a new site invalidates the old forward path). - The new site becomes the current site.
- The current site is pushed onto the
- Going Back (
<):- If the
backstack is not empty:- The current site is pushed onto the
forwardstack. - The top site is popped from the
backstack and becomes the new current site.
- The current site is pushed onto the
- If the
backstack is empty, navigation fails.
- If the
- Going Forward (
>):- If the
forwardstack is not empty:- The current site is pushed onto the
backstack. - The top site is popped from the
forwardstack and becomes the new current site.
- The current site is pushed onto the
- If the
forwardstack is empty, navigation fails.
- If the
- Python 3.x
- The
stack.pyfile must be in the same directory asweb_browser.py.
- Ensure files are together: Place
web_browser.pyandstack.pyin the same directory. - Navigate: Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to that directory.
- Run the script:
python web_browser.py # or python3 web_browser.py - Interact: Follow the on-screen prompts:
- Enter
=to simulate visiting a new URL (you'll be prompted for the URL). - Enter
<to go back in history. - Enter
>to go forward in history. - Enter
qto quit the simulator.
- Enter
web_browser.py: Contains the main simulation logic, user interaction, and history management using the stacks.stack.py: Provides the implementation of the Stack Abstract Data Type used byweb_browser.py.
This project primarily demonstrates a common application of the Stack data structure and basic CLI programming concepts. It does not actually connect to the internet or render web pages.
MIT License
Andrew Obwocha