docs/USER_GUIDE.md

# Multi-Language Chat Agent - User Guide

## Overview

The Multi-Language Chat Agent is an AI-powered programming assistant that helps students learn coding across multiple programming languages. It provides real-time chat support, maintains conversation history, and can switch between different programming languages while preserving context.

## Getting Started

### Accessing the Chat Interface

1. **Web Interface**: Navigate to the chat application in your web browser
2. **Default Language**: The system starts with Python as the default programming language
3. **Session Creation**: A new chat session is automatically created when you start chatting

### Basic Chat Features

#### Sending Messages
- Type your programming questions in the message input field
- Press **Enter** or click the **Send** button to submit your message
- The AI assistant will respond with helpful programming guidance

#### Real-time Responses
- Responses appear in real-time as the AI generates them
- You'll see typing indicators when the assistant is preparing a response
- Long responses are streamed progressively for better user experience

## Programming Language Support

### Supported Languages

The chat agent supports the following programming languages:

| Language | Code | Description |
|----------|------|-------------|
| **Python** | `python` | General-purpose programming, data science, web development |
| **JavaScript** | `javascript` | Web development, frontend and backend programming |
| **Java** | `java` | Enterprise applications, Android development |
| **C++** | `cpp` | System programming, game development, performance-critical applications |
| **C#** | `csharp` | .NET development, Windows applications |
| **Go** | `go` | Cloud services, microservices, system programming |
| **Rust** | `rust` | System programming, memory safety, performance |
| **TypeScript** | `typescript` | Type-safe JavaScript development |

### Switching Languages

#### Using the Language Selector
1. Click on the **language dropdown** in the chat interface
2. Select your desired programming language
3. The system will switch context while preserving your chat history
4. Future responses will be tailored to the selected language

#### Language Switch Confirmation
- You'll see a confirmation message when the language changes
- The interface will update to reflect the current language
- Code examples and syntax highlighting will adapt to the new language

## Chat Features

### Conversation History
- **Persistent History**: All your conversations are saved and can be retrieved later
- **Context Awareness**: The AI remembers previous messages in your conversation
- **Cross-Language History**: Switching languages preserves your entire conversation history

### Message Types

#### Questions and Explanations
```
You: "What is a variable in Python?"
Assistant: "A variable in Python is a name that refers to a value stored in memory..."
```

#### Code Examples and Debugging
```
You: "My Python code has an error: print(hello world)"
Assistant: "The issue is missing quotes around the string. Here's the corrected code:
print('hello world')"
```

#### Concept Clarification
```
You: "I don't understand Python functions"
Assistant: "A function in Python is a reusable block of code that performs a specific task..."
```

### Advanced Features

#### Code Syntax Highlighting
- Code blocks in responses are automatically highlighted
- Syntax highlighting adapts to the current programming language
- Makes code examples easier to read and understand

#### Follow-up Questions
- Ask follow-up questions that build on previous responses
- The AI maintains context across multiple exchanges
- Reference earlier parts of your conversation naturally

#### Error Analysis
- Share error messages for debugging help
- Get explanations of what went wrong
- Receive corrected code examples

## Best Practices

### Asking Effective Questions

#### Be Specific
❌ **Poor**: "How do I code?"
✅ **Good**: "How do I create a list in Python and add items to it?"

#### Provide Context
❌ **Poor**: "This doesn't work"
✅ **Good**: "I'm trying to sort a list in Python, but I get this error: [error message]"

#### Include Code When Relevant
❌ **Poor**: "My function is broken"
✅ **Good**: "My Python function doesn't return the expected result:
```python
def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b
print(add_numbers(2, 3))  # Expected 5, got something else
```"

### Learning Progression

#### Start with Basics
1. Begin with fundamental concepts (variables, data types)
2. Progress to control structures (loops, conditionals)
3. Move to functions and modules
4. Advance to object-oriented programming

#### Practice with Examples
- Ask for code examples for each concept
- Request variations of examples to deepen understanding
- Practice modifying provided code examples

#### Build Projects
- Ask for guidance on small projects
- Get help breaking down complex problems
- Receive suggestions for project improvements

## Language-Specific Features

### Python
- **Strengths**: Data science, web development, automation
- **Common Topics**: Lists, dictionaries, functions, classes, libraries
- **Example Questions**:
  - "How do I read a CSV file in Python?"
  - "What's the difference between lists and tuples?"
  - "How do I create a class in Python?"

### JavaScript
- **Strengths**: Web development, frontend/backend programming
- **Common Topics**: DOM manipulation, async programming, frameworks
- **Example Questions**:
  - "How do I add an event listener in JavaScript?"
  - "What are promises and how do I use them?"
  - "How do I make an API call with fetch()?"

### Java
- **Strengths**: Enterprise applications, Android development
- **Common Topics**: Classes, inheritance, collections, exception handling
- **Example Questions**:
  - "How do I create a constructor in Java?"
  - "What's the difference between ArrayList and LinkedList?"
  - "How do I handle exceptions in Java?"

### Other Languages
Each supported language has specialized knowledge for:
- Language-specific syntax and idioms
- Common libraries and frameworks
- Best practices and design patterns
- Performance considerations

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

#### Chat Not Responding
- **Check Connection**: Ensure you have a stable internet connection
- **Refresh Page**: Try refreshing the browser page
- **Clear Cache**: Clear your browser cache if problems persist

#### Language Switch Not Working
- **Wait for Response**: Complete current conversation before switching
- **Refresh Session**: Start a new chat session if switching fails
- **Check Selection**: Verify the correct language is selected in the dropdown

#### History Not Loading
- **Session Timeout**: Your session may have expired - start a new one
- **Browser Storage**: Check if your browser allows local storage
- **Network Issues**: Temporary network problems may affect history loading

### Getting Help

#### Error Messages
- Copy and share any error messages you encounter
- Include the steps you took before the error occurred
- Mention which browser and operating system you're using

#### Feature Requests
- Suggest new programming languages to support
- Request additional features or improvements
- Provide feedback on the user experience

## Privacy and Data

### Data Storage
- **Chat History**: Conversations are stored to provide context and improve responses
- **User Sessions**: Session data is maintained for the duration of your chat
- **No Personal Data**: The system doesn't store personal information beyond what you share in conversations

### Data Retention
- **Active Sessions**: Data is retained while your session is active
- **Cleanup**: Inactive sessions are automatically cleaned up
- **User Control**: You can request deletion of your chat history

## Tips for Success

### Maximize Learning
1. **Ask Follow-up Questions**: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification
2. **Request Examples**: Always ask for code examples when learning new concepts
3. **Practice Variations**: Ask for different ways to solve the same problem
4. **Explain Back**: Try explaining concepts back to verify your understanding

### Efficient Communication
1. **One Topic at a Time**: Focus on one concept or problem per conversation thread
2. **Use Code Blocks**: Format code properly when sharing it
3. **Be Patient**: Allow time for comprehensive responses
4. **Stay Engaged**: Build on previous responses rather than starting over

### Language Learning Strategy
1. **Start with One Language**: Master basics in one language before switching
2. **Compare Languages**: Ask about differences between languages you know
3. **Transfer Knowledge**: Apply concepts learned in one language to another
4. **Practice Regularly**: Consistent practice leads to better retention

## Keyboard Shortcuts

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| **Enter** | Send message |
| **Shift + Enter** | New line in message |
| **Ctrl/Cmd + L** | Clear chat (if available) |
| **Tab** | Navigate between interface elements |

## Mobile Usage

### Mobile-Friendly Features
- **Responsive Design**: Interface adapts to mobile screens
- **Touch-Friendly**: Buttons and controls optimized for touch
- **Keyboard Support**: Works with mobile keyboards and autocomplete

### Mobile Tips
- **Portrait Mode**: Use portrait orientation for better text readability
- **Zoom**: Pinch to zoom on code examples if needed
- **Scroll**: Long responses can be scrolled within the chat area

## Conclusion

The Multi-Language Chat Agent is designed to be your programming learning companion. Whether you're a beginner learning your first language or an experienced developer exploring new technologies, the system adapts to your needs and provides contextual, helpful responses.

Remember to:
- Be specific in your questions
- Take advantage of the multi-language support
- Build on previous conversations
- Practice with the provided examples
- Don't hesitate to ask for clarification

Happy coding! 🚀

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*For technical support or feature requests, please refer to the project documentation or contact the development team.*