Turtle Graphics

Some basics about turtle graphics

To use turtle graphics in Python:

• Use import turtle at the top of your file
• DO NOT name your file turtle.py (or the import turtle will get confused. Literally ANY other name is fine.)

The full reference for Turtle Graphics for Python 3 is here:

• https://docs.python.org/3.6/library/turtle.html

Troubleshooting

My graphics exit immediately!

This typically arises if you are running turtle graphics from a script at command line instead of inside of IDLE.

There are at least two ways to resolve this.

(1) In the Python code, try calling the method .getscreen().exitonclick() on your turtle.

   fred = turtle.Turtle()
   fred.turtle("turtle")
   fred.forward(100)
   fred.getscreen().exitonclick()

(2) When running the Python code at the Unix shell prompt, use python3 -i myprogram.py instead of python3 myprogram.py.

   $ python3 -i myprogram.py
   >>>

Python will run your program, then drop you to a >>> prompt where you can type additional commands. That >>> prompt keeps the turtle variable alive, which keeps the Turtle graphics on the screen. It also means you can interact with the drawing by checking the current position of the turtle, drawing additional stuff, etc.