preload images at the start to feel snappier

main.py

@@ -27,6 +27,35 @@ gmouseY = 0
 # the data source (TSV path, save path) can change without touching gameplay.
 # =============================================================================
 
+
+#hopefully this will help with lag
+def preLoadImages(app):
+    print("PRELOADING images")
+    IMAGES = [
+        "fail",
+        "fisherman",
+        "salesman",
+        "surprise",
+        "bait-icons/bass",
+        "bait-icons/prawn",
+        "bait-icons/tuna",
+        "bait-icons/worm",
+        "fish/aubrey-fish",
+        "fish/bone-fish",
+        "fish/book",
+        "fish/hammerhead",
+        "fish/lobster",
+        "fish/mudge-fish",
+        "fish/pufferfish",
+        "fish/rainbow-fish",
+        "fish/shrimp",
+        "fish/turtle"
+    ]
+    for img_name in IMAGES:
+        print("loading: " + BASE_IMAGE_URL + img_name + ".png")
+        drawImage(BASE_IMAGE_URL + img_name + ".png", 0, 0, visible=False)
+    
+
 def loadCreatures(path="creatures.tsv"):
     # Read creatures.tsv (tab-separated) and parse it into a usable structure.
     # Suggested return: a list of dicts, one per creature, with keys matching
@@ -120,7 +149,6 @@ def onAppStart(app):
     #   - skill-check state placeholders (cursor angle, bars, speed, result)
     #   - app.stepsPerSecond for the game loop cadence
     # Delegates to the smaller setup helpers below to keep this readable.
-
     app.debug = True
     
     #DRAWING CONSTANTS
@@ -374,13 +402,14 @@ def onKeyPress(app, key):
 
     #decidedly unused for now, i prefer mouse-only. ill keep the definition here in case i need debug tools.
 
+    if key == "escape":
+        writeSave(app.save)
+        os._exit(0) #suggested by AI, instantly exits without hanging like sys.exit(0)
+
     # DEBUG
     if not app.debug: return
     if key == "m":
         app.save["cash"] = 1000000
-    if key == "escape":
-        writeSave(app.save)
-        os._exit(0) #suggested by AI, instantly exits without hanging like sys.exit(0)
     if key == "r":
         #reset save
         app.save = loadSave("thisisntarealsavefile.stupid")
@@ -514,6 +543,9 @@ def redrawAll(app):
     #   - the active skill-check overlay, or
     #   - the catch-display popup.
     # Delegates each piece to the helpers below.
+    if(app.timeSinceInit < 1):
+        preLoadImages(app)
+
     drawBackground(app)
     if app.scene == "waiting-for-bite":
         drawBobber(app)
@@ -732,6 +764,9 @@ def drawDebug(app):
     for i in range(len(debugLines)):
         drawLabel(debugLines[i], 0, app.height - 125 + size * i, fill="white", size=size, align = "left")
 
+    #debug keys
+    drawLabel("' m ' = give cash, ' r ' = reset save, ' f ' = skip fishing timer, ' d ' = trigger breakpoint", 5, 5, size=12, align = "top-left")
+
 
 # =============================================================================
 # SECTION 6: PROGRAM ENTRY