9.1 Turtle module

The Python turtle module provides a fun way to introduce programming to beginners through simple drawing and graphics. It allows you to control a turtle, which can move around the screen, drawing lines as it goes. This topic will guide you through the basics of using the turtle module.

Graphical interface - turtle module

9.1a Getting started

1.Import the turtle module:

import turtle

2.Create a turtle object:

# Create a screen object
screen = turtle.Screen()

# Create a turtle object
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()

3.Move the turtle:

Move forward:

my_turtle.forward(100)  # Move forward by 100 units

Turn left:

my_turtle.left(90)  # Turn left by 90 degrees
my_turtle.forward(100)

Turn right:

my_turtle.right(90)  # Turn right by 90 degrees
my_turtle.forward(100)

9.1b Drawing shapes

1.Drawing a square:

import turtle

screen = turtle.Screen()
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()

for _ in range(4):
    my_turtle.forward(100)
    my_turtle.right(90)

turtle.done()  # Finish the drawing

2.Drawing a triangle:

import turtle

screen = turtle.Screen()
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()

for _ in range(3):
    my_turtle.forward(100)
    my_turtle.left(120)

turtle.done()

3.Drawing a circle:

import turtle

screen = turtle.Screen()
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()

my_turtle.circle(50)  # Draw a circle with radius 50

turtle.done()

9.1c Changing turtle attributes

1.Changing the pen colour:

my_turtle.pencolor("blue")
my_turtle.forward(100)

2.Changing the pen size:

my_turtle.pensize(5)
my_turtle.forward(100)

3.Changing the turtle speed:

my_turtle.speed(1)  # Slowest
my_turtle.forward(100)

my_turtle.speed(10)  # Fastest
my_turtle.forward(100)

9.1d Advanced drawing

1.Drawing a star:

import turtle

screen = turtle.Screen()
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()

for _ in range(5):
    my_turtle.forward(100)
    my_turtle.right(144)

turtle.done()

2.Using loops for patterns:

import turtle

screen = turtle.Screen()
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()

for _ in range(36):
    my_turtle.forward(100)
    my_turtle.right(170)

turtle.done()

9.1e Handling User Events

1.Closing the window on click:

import turtle

screen = turtle.Screen()
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()

my_turtle.circle(50)

# Close the window when clicked
screen.exitonclick()

9.1f Putting it all together

Example 9.1.1 - Here's a complete example that combines several concepts.

import turtle

# Set up the screen
screen = turtle.Screen()
screen.bgcolor("lightyellow")

# Create a turtle
my_turtle = turtle.Turtle()
my_turtle.shape("turtle")
my_turtle.color("green")
my_turtle.speed(5)

# Draw a square
for _ in range(4):
    my_turtle.forward(100)
    my_turtle.right(90)

# Move the turtle to a new position without drawing
my_turtle.penup()
my_turtle.goto(-150, 0)
my_turtle.pendown()

# Draw a circle
my_turtle.pencolor("blue")
my_turtle.circle(50)

# Move the turtle to a new position without drawing
my_turtle.penup()
my_turtle.goto(150, 0)
my_turtle.pendown()

# Draw a star
my_turtle.pencolor("red")
for _ in range(5):
    my_turtle.forward(100)
    my_turtle.right(144)

# Finish drawing
turtle.done()

Note

This topic covers the basics of the turtle module, including creating a turtle, moving it around, drawing shapes, and customizing its attributes. The turtle module is a great way to start learning Python and practicing programming concepts in a visual and interactive way. Experiment with different shapes, colors, and patterns to get a feel for what you can create! You can also check this more in-depth tutorial on how to use the turtle module.