Markov Chain Text Generator

A C++ implementation of a Markov Chain Text Generator that works with both English and German texts.

Features

• Generates pseudo-random text based on input samples
• Supports Unicode characters, including German umlauts and ß
• Works with Windows console for proper Unicode display

Key Functions

• MarkovChain: Main class for the Markov Chain implementation
• splitIntoWords: Processes input text into individual words
• generateText: Produces new text based on the built Markov Chain

Core Logic

1. Text Processing:

   • Split input text into words
   • Convert words to lowercase
   • Handle special characters (e.g., German umlauts)

2. Building the Markov Chain:

   • Create transitions between consecutive words
   • Store transitions in a map structure

3. Text Generation:

   • Start with a random or specified word
   • Repeatedly select next words based on transition probabilities
   • Handle dead ends by restarting from a random word

4. Unicode Handling:

   • Use wide strings (std::wstring) for Unicode support
   • Set Windows console to UTF-16 mode for proper display

How to Compile and Run

Compile (using MinGW-w64 on Windows):

g++ markovChain.cpp -o textgen

Run:

./textgen.exe

Current Limitations

• First-order Markov Chain (considers only the current word)
• Input text is currently hardcoded in the program
• Optimized for Windows console output

Next Steps

• Implement file I/O for larger input texts
• Enhance to higher-order Markov Chains for more coherent output
• Add save/load functionality for Markov Chains
• Create a user interface for easier interaction