Labyrinth MUD Mobile App: Technical Specification - wwestlake/Labyrinth GitHub Wiki

Labyrinth MUD Mobile App: Technical Specification

Introduction

This technical specification outlines the architecture, technologies, and implementation details for the Labyrinth MUD Mobile App. The app will be developed using Flutter, with Firebase for authentication, a custom REST API for backend communication, and SignalR for the live chat system. This document provides a comprehensive guide to the app's technical components, ensuring that all elements are aligned with the overall system requirements.

System Architecture Overview

The Labyrinth MUD Mobile App will be built on a client-server architecture, with the client-side implemented in Flutter. The app will communicate with the backend using a custom REST API, handle authentication via Firebase, and enable real-time chat using SignalR. The architecture is designed to ensure scalability, security, and a seamless user experience across mobile devices.

Core Components

  1. Flutter Client Application

    • Framework: The app will be developed using Flutter, leveraging its cross-platform capabilities to target both iOS and Android devices with a single codebase.
    • UI/UX Design: The app will feature a responsive, touch-optimized interface, with a focus on usability and accessibility. Flutter’s widget system will be used to build a clean, consistent, and intuitive UI.
    • State Management: Use Provider or Riverpod for state management, ensuring efficient data flow and UI updates throughout the application.

  2. Firebase Authentication

    • Email/Password Authentication: Users will sign up and log in using their email and password. Firebase Authentication will handle secure user management, including password recovery and multi-factor authentication support if needed.
    • Email Verification: Upon registration, users will receive a verification email. The app will ensure that users verify their email before accessing certain features, with the option to resend the verification email if needed.
    • Session Management: Firebase will manage user sessions, ensuring that authenticated users can remain logged in across app restarts and sessions until they explicitly log out.

  3. Backend Communication via REST API

    • Custom REST API: The app will interact with a custom-built REST API hosted on the server. This API will handle all game-related functionalities such as character management, world interactions, combat, and inventory management.
    • HTTP Client: Use the http package or Dio for making HTTP requests to the REST API. Ensure proper error handling, request retries, and token management for secure API communication.
    • Data Serialization: JSON will be the primary format for data exchange between the client and server. Use json_serializable or a similar package for efficient and type-safe serialization and deserialization of API responses.

  4. Real-Time Chat with SignalR

    • SignalR Integration: Implement SignalR for real-time communication, enabling live chat functionality within the app. This includes global chat, local room-based chat, and private messaging.
    • SignalR Client: Use the SignalR Dart client package to establish and manage connections to the SignalR server. Handle events such as message reception, connection status updates, and reconnections.
    • Message Handling: Messages will be handled in real-time, with the app updating the chat UI dynamically as new messages are received or sent. Ensure efficient handling of concurrent connections and chat histories.

  5. Security Considerations

    • Data Encryption: Ensure all data transmitted between the app and backend services (Firebase, REST API, SignalR) is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS.
    • Token Management: Securely manage authentication tokens (e.g., Firebase ID tokens), ensuring they are properly included in all API requests and refreshed when necessary.
    • Input Validation: Implement robust input validation and sanitization on both the client and server sides to prevent injection attacks and other common security vulnerabilities.

  6. Performance Optimization

    • Efficient API Calls: Optimize the frequency and payload size of API calls to reduce latency and improve responsiveness. Implement caching strategies for frequently accessed data.
    • Background Tasks: Use Flutter’s background services (e.g., WorkManager) to handle tasks like refreshing tokens or syncing data without impacting the user experience.
    • App Size and Asset Management: Optimize app size by minimizing dependencies, compressing assets, and using lazy loading where appropriate.

  7. Cross-Platform Compatibility

    • Flutter Adaptability: Ensure the app's UI and features are fully functional on both iOS and Android devices. Test across multiple device sizes and OS versions to maintain consistency.
    • Platform-Specific Features: Implement platform-specific features (e.g., push notifications using Firebase Cloud Messaging) while maintaining a unified codebase.

  8. Testing and Quality Assurance

    • Unit and Integration Testing: Implement thorough unit tests for core functionalities and integration tests for API communication, ensuring reliability and correctness.
    • UI Testing: Use Flutter’s widget testing framework to automate UI testing, ensuring that the app performs as expected across different scenarios.
    • Performance Monitoring: Integrate Firebase Performance Monitoring to track app performance metrics in real-time, enabling proactive identification and resolution of issues.

  9. Deployment and Maintenance

    • Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Set up CI/CD pipelines using services like GitHub Actions or Bitrise to automate the build, test, and deployment processes.
    • App Store Deployment: Prepare the app for submission to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, ensuring compliance with platform guidelines and performing necessary beta testing (e.g., TestFlight for iOS).
    • Post-Launch Support: Plan for regular updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements post-launch, including monitoring user feedback and app performance metrics.

Conclusion

This technical specification provides a detailed blueprint for developing the Labyrinth MUD Mobile App. By leveraging Flutter, Firebase, a custom REST API, and SignalR, the app will deliver a robust and seamless gaming experience on mobile platforms. Following these specifications will ensure the app is secure, scalable, and provides a high-quality user experience consistent with the Labyrinth MUD ecosystem.