Add comprehensive README for Friction Flow project

README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+# Friction Flow
+
+## Project Overview
+
+Friction Flow is an advanced Python-based research project aimed at developing a framework for analyzing and simulating complex human behavior and group dynamics based on Narrative Field Dynamics. This project leverages AI and machine learning techniques, with a focus on integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) for natural language-based decision making and interactions.
+
+## Key Features
+
+1. **Multi-Agent Systems**: Simulates emergent behavior in complex social systems.
+2. **Psychological Modeling**: Incorporates advanced models of individual and group psychology.
+3. **LLM Integration**: Utilizes state-of-the-art language models for natural language processing and generation.
+4. **Distributed Computing**: Employs event-driven architectures for scalable simulations.
+5. **Machine Learning Components**: Includes neural networks and other ML techniques for behavior prediction and analysis.
+
+## Technical Stack
+
+ **Python**: Core programming language (version >= 3.12 recommended)
+- **PyTorch**: For neural network components and tensor operations
+- **Transformers**: For integration with pre-trained language models
+- **Ray**: For distributed computing
+- **FastAPI**: For service endpoints
+- **Redis**: For state management
+- **Ollama**: For local LLM integration
+- **ChromaDB**: For vector storage and similarity search
+
+## Getting Started
+
+1. Clone the repository:
+
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/your-organization/friction-flow.git
+   cd friction-flow
+   ```
+
+2. Install dependencies:
+
+   ```bash
+   pip install -r requirements.txt
+   ```
+
+3. Set up the environment:
+   - Ensure you have the necessary language models and embeddings set up as specified in `src/config.py`.
+
+4. Run the simulation:
+
+   ```bash
+   python src/nfs_simple_lab_scenario.py
+   ```
+
+## Project Structure
+
+- `src/`: Contains the core source code
+  - `nfs_story_waves.py`: Simulation components for narrative field dynamics
+  - `nfs_simple_lab_scenario.py`: Example scenario implementation
+  - `language_models.py`: Interfaces for various language models
+  - `config.py`: Configuration settings
+- `tests/`: Unit and integration tests
+- `pocs/`: Proof of concept implementations
+- `.github/`: Issue templates and CI/CD workflows
+
+## Development Guidelines
+
+- Follow PEP 8 style guide and use Black for code formatting.
+- Implement type hints as per PEP 484.
+- Maintain a minimum of 80% test coverage.
+- Adhere to SOLID principles and maintain clear separation of concerns.
+- Use meaningful commit messages following the conventional commits format.
+
+## Testing
+
+Run the test suite using pytest:
+
+```bash
+pytest tests/
+```
+
+## CI/CD
+
+The project uses GitHub Actions for continuous integration. The workflow includes:
+- Setting up Python 3.12.6
+- Installing dependencies
+- Running tests
+
+## Contributing
+
+We welcome contributions to the Friction Flow project. Please read our contributing guidelines before submitting pull requests. Key points:
+
+- No commented-out code in the main branch
+- No TODOs in the main branch
+- Clear variable and function naming
+- Adherence to DRY and SOLID principles
+
+## License
+
+This project is licensed under the Apache License 2.0. See the LICENSE file for details.
+
+## Acknowledgments
+
+This project builds upon research in cognitive science, complex systems theory, social network analysis, and organizational behavior. We acknowledge the contributions of the open-source community and the developers of the libraries and tools used in this project.