txt3-wap/README.md

# txt3 BBS (wap.txt3.net)

A retro multi-front-end community platform that brings back the early 2000s internet experience of txt3 (Connecting people - since 1997). One account works across three front-ends: WML mobile, XHTML web, and telnet BBS, sharing forums, private mail, profiles, games, and an RPG MUD.

## Front-ends

### 1. PHP Web Site (wap.txt3.net)
- **Markup**: Auto-detects WML 1.1 (for period phones) vs XHTML (modern browsers)
- **URL**: https://wap.txt3.net/
- **Features**: Forums, private messaging, user profiles, embedded games, RPG character overview
- **Tech**: PHP 8+, SQLite, session IDs in URL for WAP clients without cookies
- **Responsive**: Designed to work on 2-inch phone screens up to desktop browsers

### 2. Telnet BBS (wap.txt3.net:12300)
- **Protocol**: Raw telnet with minimal negotiation (RFC 854 compliant)
- **URL**: `telnet://wap.txt3.net:12300` or `ssh -t wap.txt3.net nc 12300`
- **Features**: Text-based interface to the same forums, mail, games, and full MUD RPG
- **Tech**: Python 3, SQLite, same database as web front-end
- **Control**: Arrow keys for movement, single-letter commands (k=look, t=take, k<monster>=fight)

### 3. RPG MUD (shared)
- **Integrated**: The telnet BBS includes a full RPG world separate from web features
- **Play**: Create a character when you login; explore rooms, fight monsters, find items, level up
- **Items**: Weapons, armor, potions (healing), gold bank
- **PvP**: Attack other players in the same room
- **Leaderboards**: High scores across all games

## How It Works

**Single Database**: Both front-ends read/write the same SQLite database (`public_html/data/wap.sqlite`). You create one account and it works everywhere:
- Login on the web → check mail → post in forums → play games
- Or start a telnet session → explore the MUD → fight monsters → collect loot
- Your character, items, and game scores are shared across all three interfaces

**Password Security**: PHP handles bcrypt hashing. Python BBS calls the PHP binary to verify/create passwords - no shared password library needed.

**Markup Detection**: Clients advertising `vnd.wap.wml` in the Accept header get WML 1.1 decks with softkeys. Everything else gets XHTML. You can manually force a markup with `?m=wml` or `?m=html`.

## Quick Start

### Running the Telnet BBS (development)
```bash
cd /home/jp/IdeaProjects/txt3-wap
python3 bbs/bbsd.py
```
Requires `php` binary at `/usr/bin/php` for password hashing.

### Web Front-end
Already deployed at https://wap.txt3.net

### Database
Existing seed data includes:
- 3 forums: General, Mobile, Games
- Pre-populated MUD world with rooms, monsters, and items
- Default admin user (admin/wapadmin)

### Client List
**Telnet clients that work well:**
- `telnet wap.txt3.net 12300` (standard)
- PuTTY in raw mode
- Windows telnet
- `nc wap.txt3.net 12300`

**Mobile:** Any WAP 1.1 browser can access `wap.txt3.net` directly (phones from early 2000s still work)

## Project History

- **1997**: txt3 begins "Connecting people"
- **2002-2003**: First txt3 domains archived by Internet Archive
- **2004**: txt3.net joins family, original WAP deck launched
- **2016**: Revival with unlimited free SMS + forum + blog
- **2025**: This hybrid reborn - same account across WML, XHTML, and telnet

See `public_html/about.php` for detailed timeline.

## Technical Notes

**Security**
- Hardened systemd service (`txt3-bbs.service`) with read-only filesystem protection
- Passwords hashed with PHP's bcrypt (`password_hash`/`password_verify`)
- Tailscale-only listener for BBS (port 12300)

**Architecture**
- **PHP**: `bootstrap.php` → `db.php` → `ui.php` → `mud.php`
- **Python**: `bbsdb.py` → `mud.py` → `boards.py`/`games.py`/`screens.py`
- **Shared tables**: users, messages, forums, topics, posts, scores, matches, sp_games
- **MUD tables**: mud_rooms, mud_mobs, mud_items, mud_spawn, mud_chars, mud_events, etc.

**MUD Controls**
- Movement: `[n/s/e/w/u/d]` (North/South/East/West/Up/Down)
- Actions: `[l]ook`, `[k]ill <monster>`, `[t]ake <item>`, `[w]ield/[d]rink`
- `[i]nventory`, `[sc]ore`, `[b]ank <amt>`, `[bank]` interface
- PvP: `[a]ttack <player>` in same room
- `[board]` for leaderboards

**Games**
- Single-player: Guess the Number (scoring by tries), Quick Quiz (5 questions)
- Multiplayer: Noughts & Crosses (TTT) and Nim - 21 sticks (turn-based)
- Scores stored in `scores` table; leaderboards show top 5 per game

**Admin Tools**
- Telnet BBS: `[A]dmin tools` → user management, forums, topics, MOTD, stats
- Web: Admin link visible on profile when `is_admin=1`

## Community

This isn't just a technical project - it's a time capsule of early internet culture. The same account works whether you're:
- On a modern browser checking messages
- On a vintage phone browsing WML
- Sitting at a terminal with `telnet`

The MUD adds a gamified layer, and games bridge web and telnet play. Your character progresses whether you type commands or click links.

## Future Enhancements (TODO)

See `TODO.md` for detailed roadmap.

## License
Original txt3 concept from 1997, this revival released under original terms.
No commercial redistribution without explicit permission from JP.

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*Questions? Comments? Bugs? Use the admin tools or contact via the website.*
*Remember: This site works best with patience and a nostalgic spirit.*

## Recent Changes

- Initial commit: All three front-ends, shared database, basic MUD world
- Both front-ends synchronized on first boot
- telnet BBS service hardened with systemd unit
- Password hashing handled entirely by PHP (no shared libs)