Working display on the LCD

.gitignore

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+lcd-env/

random_timer.py

@@ -1,18 +1,27 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
 """
-Catchphrase
-Author: Jerick Oates
+Catchphrase with LCD Output (Centered & Clean)
 """
 
 import random
 import time
 import threading
 import sys
+from RPLCD.i2c import CharLCD
 
 # ---------- CONFIG ----------
-WORDS_FILE   = "words.txt"   # file with one word per line
-TIMER_SECONDS = 30           # how long the timer runs
+WORDS_FILE    = "words.txt"   # file with one word per line
+TIMER_SECONDS = 30            # how long the timer runs
+I2C_ADDRESS   = 0x27          # change if your LCD address is different
+I2C_CHIP      = 'PCF8574'     # common backpack chip
 
+# ---------- LCD ----------
+lcd = CharLCD(I2C_CHIP, I2C_ADDRESS)
+
+def lcd_print(text, line=0):
+    """Print text centered on given LCD line (0 or 1), padded to clear leftovers."""
+    lcd.cursor_pos = (line, 0)
+    lcd.write_string(text.center(16))  # 16 chars wide
 
 # ---------- HELPERS ----------
 def load_words(path=WORDS_FILE):
@@ -27,59 +36,50 @@ def load_words(path=WORDS_FILE):
         print(f"❌ Error loading words: {e}")
         sys.exit(1)
 
-
 def pick_random(words):
     """Return a random word from the list."""
     return random.choice(words)
 
-
 # ---------- TIMER THREAD ----------
 class CountdownTimer(threading.Thread):
-    """
-    Background thread that counts down for TIMER_SECONDS.
-    When it finishes, it calls an optional callback.
-    """
     def __init__(self, seconds=TIMER_SECONDS, on_finish=None):
         super().__init__()
         self.seconds = seconds
-        self.on_finish = on_finish  # function to call when timer ends
+        self.on_finish = on_finish
         self._running = threading.Event()
         self._running.set()
 
     def run(self):
         for _ in range(self.seconds):
             if not self._running.is_set():
-                break          # stopped early by user
+                break
             time.sleep(1)
-        # Timer finished (or was stopped)
         self._running.clear()
         if self.on_finish:
-            self.on_finish()   # announce completion
+            self.on_finish()
 
     def stop(self):
-        """Stop the timer before it reaches zero."""
         self._running.clear()
 
     @property
     def is_running(self):
         return self._running.is_set()
 
-
 # ---------- MAIN LOOP ----------
 def main():
     words = load_words()
     timer_thread = None
 
-    print("=== Catchphrase, but Better ===")
+    print("=== Catchphrase, but Better (LCD) ===")
     print("Commands:")
     print("  start - begin the 30-second timer and show a word immediately")
     print("  next  - show another random word while the timer is running")
     print("  stop  - cancel the timer early")
     print("  exit / quit - leave the program")
 
-    # Helper that prints when the timer ends
     def announce_finish():
         print("\n⏰ Time is up! Returning to menu.")
+        lcd_print("Time is up!", line=0)
         print("=== Catchphrase ===")
         print("Commands:")
         print("  start - begin the 30-second timer and show a word immediately")
@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ def main():
             if timer_thread and timer_thread.is_running:
                 timer_thread.stop()
                 timer_thread.join()
+            lcd_print("Goodbye!", line=0)
             print("👋 Goodbye!")
             break
 
@@ -104,25 +105,28 @@ def main():
             if timer_thread and timer_thread.is_running:
                 print("[!] Timer is already running.")
             else:
-                # Start a new timer with the finish callback
                 timer_thread = CountdownTimer(on_finish=announce_finish)
-                timer_thread.daemon = True   # exit when main thread exits
+                timer_thread.daemon = True
                 timer_thread.start()
 
-                # Show the first word right away
-                print(pick_random(words))
+                word = pick_random(words)
+                print(word)
+                lcd_print(word, line=0)
                 print(f"[+] 30-second timer started. ({TIMER_SECONDS}s)")
 
         elif cmd == "next":
             if not (timer_thread and timer_thread.is_running):
                 print("[!] No active timer - use 'start' first.")
             else:
-                print(pick_random(words))
+                word = pick_random(words)
+                print(word)
+                lcd_print(word, line=0)
 
         elif cmd == "stop":
             if timer_thread and timer_thread.is_running:
                 timer_thread.stop()
                 timer_thread.join()
+                lcd_print("Stopped early", line=0)
                 print("[+] Timer stopped early.")
             else:
                 print("[!] There is no running timer to stop.")