.. _turtle_basics:

======
Basics
======

``turtle`` is some Python code you can use to draw shapes and patterns. It can be a fun introduction to working with Python so try it out!

.. note:: When you save your code, do not name it ``turtle`` or Python will try to import the script into itself and give an error because your script does not have the necessary commands.

To get started you need to ``import`` the code you need and assign it to a variable to simplify code you need to write. Practise typing out the code rather than using copy and paste. This will help you learn it better and teach you how to code with less errors.

::

    import turtle
    pen=turtle.Turtle()

Under those two lines you can start writing your commands. Start with these and see if you can work out how to finish drawing a square.

::

    pen.forward(50)
    pen.right(90)
    pen.forward(50)

.. note:: If you get an error, check for these common mistakes:

    - turtle spelt incorrectly
    - lowercase 'T' for the ``Turtle()`` function
    - capital 'T' when referring to the ``turtle`` code
    - no brackets after the ``Turtle()`` function
    - ``forward`` spelt incorrectly


Next steps
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Once you can draw a square, try adding extra commands and changing the numbers to see what happens. Can you write your name or draw something interesting?