Enhance ThinkPy Output with Color-Coded Statement Types

[lwgray]

Labels: enhancement, user-experience, visualization

Current Behavior

Currently, ThinkPy's explain mode uses a limited color scheme with many statement types displaying in white, making it difficult to visually distinguish between different types of operations and program flow.

Proposed Enhancement

Add a comprehensive color scheme to improve visual hierarchy and readability of ThinkPy's explain mode output:

• Program Structure (BLUE)

  • PROGRAM
  • TASK

• Execution Steps (YELLOW)

  • STEP

• Data Operations (RED)

  • VARIABLE assignments

• Output & Components (GREEN)

  • OUTPUT statements
  • SUBTASK definitions

• Flow Control

  • Loops (CYAN family)
  • LOOP constructs
  • ITERATION status
  • Decisions (MAGENTA family)
  • DECISION blocks
  • CHECK conditions
  • BRANCH paths
  • Results (LIGHT_BLUE)
  • RESULT evaluations

Benefits

1. Improved visual hierarchy
2. Easier to follow program flow
3. Clear distinction between different operation types
4. Enhanced debugging experience
5. Better educational value for beginners

Technical Implementation

1. Update interpreter.py with new color constants
2. Add statement_colors mapping
3. Modify format_message() method
4. Add support for text styling (bold, underline)

Testing Plan

1. Create test programs exercising all statement types
2. Verify color consistency across different environments
3. Check accessibility (color contrast)
4. Test in both light and dark terminal themes

Questions

• Should we add configuration options for custom color schemes?
• Do we need high-contrast alternatives for accessibility?
• Should we support terminal themes?