How to Get Started with Coding in Python Using Turtle Graphics

For those new to programming, finding an engaging and intuitive starting point can be a challenge. Python, a popular and readable language, offers a fantastic built-in module called Turtle Graphics that makes learning coding fundamentals a visual and enjoyable experience. Based on the classic Logo programming language, Turtle Graphics allows you to issue commands to a virtual ‘turtle’ on the screen, instructing it to move and draw, providing immediate feedback for your code.

Your First Steps with Turtle

You can get started immediately just by using Python’s interactive interpreter. If you have Python installed, open a terminal and type python.

1. Import the module: First, you need to make the turtle module available. Type: import turtle
2. Move the turtle: Now, you can give the turtle commands. To draw a line 100 pixels long, type: turtle.forward(100)
3. Turn the turtle: To change the turtle’s direction, you can use `right()` or `left()`. To turn right by 120 degrees, type: turtle.right(120)
4. Complete a shape: By combining forward movements and turns, you can draw shapes. To complete an equilateral triangle, repeat the forward and right commands:

turtle.forward(100)
turtle.right(120)
turtle.forward(100)

A new window will have opened showing the triangle drawn by the turtle’s path.

Writing a Python Script

While the interactive interpreter is great for quick tests, you’ll want to save your code in a file for more complex drawings. An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or a good text editor like Geany is perfect for this.

Using Functions and Loops

Let’s rewrite our triangle-drawing code more efficiently using a function and a loop. Create a new file (e.g., `myturtle.py`) and enter the following code:

import turtle

def triangle():
    for side in range(3):
        turtle.forward(100)
        turtle.right(120)

triangle() # This line calls the function to draw the triangle
turtle.exitonclick() # This keeps the window open until you click it

• The def triangle(): line defines a function—a reusable block of code.
• The for side in range(3): line creates a loop that repeats the indented code three times. This is much cleaner than writing the same commands repeatedly.
• Python is very strict about indentation; it’s how code blocks are defined.

Adding Color and Complexity

You can make your drawings much more interesting by introducing colors and repeating shapes. Add the following code to the end of your file (before `turtle.exitonclick()`) to draw a colorful pattern:

import random

colours = ['red', 'orange', 'yellow', 'green', 'blue']

turtle.speed('fastest') # Make the turtle draw quickly

for j in range(72):
    turtle.color(random.choice(colours)) # Pick a random color
    triangle() # Call our triangle function
    turtle.left(5) # Turn slightly before drawing the next one

When you run this script, it will draw your triangle function 72 times, each time with a random color and shifted by 5 degrees, creating a beautiful, intricate circle of triangles.

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