Python Code Lab has now passed 1,700 users, which feels like a great moment to celebrate how far this little project has come.
The original idea was simple: give students a quick and easy place to write Python without needing to install software, create an account or configure an IDE. Open the page, start coding and learn.
Since then, Python Code Lab has grown into much more than a simple online Python editor.
Code on almost anything
One of my favourite things about Python Code Lab is that it is designed to work across an enormous range of devices.
Students can use it on:
- Windows PCs
- Macs
- Chromebooks
- iPads and tablets
- Android devices
- iPhones and other mobile phones
- And, rather wonderfully, even a PS5 or Nintendo Switch!
There is even a dedicated Phone Mode to make coding on smaller screens more practical.
The aim is simple: students should be able to practise Python using the device they already have.
Text coding and visual blocks
Students can write normal Python code or start with visual blocks.
The blocks editor can generate Python, helping beginners understand the relationship between block-based programming and the text-based Python they will eventually need to write themselves. Blocks can also be uploaded and downloaded for later use.
See what your program is actually doing
One of the most important parts of learning programming is understanding what happens while a program runs.
Python Code Lab therefore includes a step-by-step execution mode. Students can move through their program and inspect:
- Variables
- The call stack
- A trace table
- Program output
- Execution history
There is also playback, allowing students to revisit how their program executed rather than simply seeing the final answer.
Learn algorithms in different ways
The same algorithm can be explored using:
- Python text
- Blocks
- Flowcharts
- Parsons problems
Current iGCSE examples include linear search, bubble sort, counting, totalling, maximum and minimum, selection, for loops and while loops.
This means students are not just memorising Python syntax. They can move between different representations of computational thinking.
Turtle graphics
Python Code Lab also contains a substantial Turtle Graphics environment.
Students can create shapes, patterns, grids, mazes, animations and artwork while learning concepts such as coordinates, iteration, variables and functions. Drawings can even be saved as images.
Courses, challenges and examples
The Code Lab now includes complete learning activities rather than just an empty editor.
There are featured courses such as:
- F-String Comic Academy
- World Cup Dream Manager
- Python Error Detectives
- Python Turtle Graphics
There is also a Daily Coding Quest, plus ready-made Python examples including Caesar Cipher, Maze Solver, Virtual Pet, Rock Paper Scissors, Wordle, prime numbers and file handling.
Proper Python learning tools
Students can upload existing .py files and download their work as Python or text files. Code can be copied, shared through links and opened in a new tab.
The environment also supports interactive input(), file handling activities and loading code directly from GitHub or a raw Gist.
Alongside the editor is a growing Python reference guide covering everything from variables and selection through to dictionaries, functions, recursion, object-oriented programming, abstract data types, binary trees, sorting and searching.
1,700 users and counting
What started as a simple way to remove the barriers to getting started with Python has gradually become a complete learning environment.
No installation. No complicated setup. Just open it and code.
Reaching 1,700 users is a lovely milestone, but I am much more excited about what Python Code Lab can become next.
Thank you to everyone who has tried it, shared it with students or used it in their classroom.
Here’s to the next 1,700 coders. 🐍
I would probably make the “Code on almost anything” angle quite prominent if this is for LinkedIn. The fact that the same learning environment can go from a phone or Chromebook all the way to a games console is a strong hook.
