Example code and programs

Download all these examples along with supporting files in a zip file: python_examples.zip.

Non-graphic Python Examples

Program that calculates miles-per-gallon. (Chapter 1)

calculate_miles_per_gallon.py

Calculates the kinetic energy of an object. (Chapter 1)

calculate_kinetic_energy.py

Simple example if statements. (Chapter 3)

if_statement_examples.py

Simple example for loops. (Chapter 4)

for_loop_examples.py

Simple example while loops. (Chapter 4)

while_loop_examples.py

Simple example for encrypting text. (Chapter 7)

simple_encryption.py

Simple example for decrypting text. (Chapter 7)

simple_decryption.py

Pygame Graphics Examples

This opens up a blank pygame window. It is a good template to use when starting a new program. (Chapter 5)

pygame_base_template.py

This file demonstrates setting up a window and drawing rectangles, polygons, text, and other basic shapes. (Chapter 5)

simple_graphics_demo.py

Demos all the commands in the draw module.

draw_module_example.py

Animate a bouncing rectangle around the screen. (Chapter 8)

bouncing_rectangle.py

This shows how to use an array to animate and track multiple objects. In this case, snow flakes. (Chapter 8)

animating_snow.py

This file draws a snowman inside of a function. The program can then call the draw snowman function and draw several snowmen easily. (Chapter 9)

functions_and_graphics.py

Move an object with the mouse (Chapter 11)

move_mouse.py

Move an object with the keyboard (Chapter 11)

move_keyboard.py

Move an object with the game controller (Chapter 11)

move_game_controller.py

Show how to read everything off a gamepad/controller/joystick. (Chapter 11)

joystick_calls.py

Display bitmapped images (png, jpg) to a screen. Make sounds. (Chapter 12)

bitmapped_graphics.py

Display a board based on a two-dimensional grid. Useful when creating games like tic-tac-toe, minesweeper, memory-match, connect-four, etc. (Chapter 17)

array_backed_grid.py

Display one or more pages of instruction before the game starts.

instruction_screen.py

Plays background music. When the music is over, an event is triggered and a different song starts. The music is included in the downloadable zip file, or you can follow the links in the comments to download the music.

background_music.py

Shows how to display a centered "Game Over" message, and stop game play when a game is over.

game_over.py

Display a line sweeping around in a circle like a radar.

radar_sweep.py

Count up and count down timers. (Chapter 21)

timer.py

Using recusion to make nested rectangles. (Chapter 20)

recursive_rectangles.py

Using recusion to make fractals. (Chapter 20)

fractal.py

Using Trigonometry (off-site link) - If you want things that bounce, wave, or even pointing cannons, then follow this link to Al Sweigart's page and read up on using trigonometry with your code.

timer.py

Pygame Sprite Examples

Move a sprite with the mouse and collect blocks. (Chapter 14)

sprite_collect_blocks.py

Same as collect blocks example, but all the sprites move. (Chapter 14)

moving_sprites.py

Expands the prior example to show how to manage a game with levels. Level advances when all the blocks are cleared.

sprite_collect_blocks_levels.py

Same as sprite_collect_blocks.py but with a black circle instead of a block. (Chapter 14)

sprite_collect_circle.py

Same as sprite_collect_blocks.py but with a graphic instead of a block. (Chapter 14)

sprite_collect_graphic.py

Move a sprite around the screen with the mouse. (Chapter 14)

move_sprite_mouse.py

Move a sprite with the keyboard in discrete 'jumps'. (Chapter 14)

move_sprite_keyboard_jump.py

Move a sprite with the keyboard smoothly and continously while a key is pressed. (Chapter 14)

move_sprite_keyboard_smooth.py

Move a sprite with a game controller or joystick. (Chapter 14)

move_sprite_game_controller.py

Basic Pong game using two game controlers.

pong.py

Make a cat animate walking. How to animate a sprite using several images. (You'll need to download the zip file to get the cat images.)

sprite_animation.py

How to manage bullets with sprites.

bullets.py

Move a sprite around the screen, but not let it move through walls.

move_with_walls_example.py

More complex version of prior example, with multi-colored walls, and multiple rooms.

maze_runner.py

Get the player to jump off platforms.

platform_jumper.py

Like platform jumper, but scroll side to side.

platform_scroller.py

Control a snake as it moves around the screen.

snake.py

Longer Game Examples

word_search.py - Shows the beginnings of how to create a grid of letters to be used in a word search.
bounce_ball_with_paddle.py - Two players bounce a ball back and forth with paddles. Requires two joysticks to work.
breakout_simple.py - A simple version of Breakout. Shows how to do a "Game Over" message.
cat_adventure.py - A simple 32x32 tile game. Needs the graphic terrain_atlas.png
Videos of games created by students after taking this course. Spring 2012
Videos of games created by students after taking this course. Spring 2011
Videos of games created by students after taking this course. Fall 2010 Download games - Download and install games created by students.

Creating an Installer

Python Pygame Installer Tutorial- Create an installer for your Python program. Allow other people to play your game too!

Searching and Sorting Examples

example_sorted_names.txt - Sample file of names used in searching_example.py

searching_example.py - Example linear and binary searches

AliceInWonderLand.txt - Text of Alice In Wonderland. Source: Project Gutenberg

AliceInWonderLand200.txt

dictionary.txt

sorting_examples.py - Example code for the insertion and selection sorts.

File Examples

high_score.py - Example that shows how to read and write a high score to the disk so that it persists between program runs.

Additional Information

Pygame Website - The main website for Pygame

Pygame Documentation - Documentation on the commands availabe for Pygame

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