Creating A 3D Cube With Python Turtle: A Beginner's Guide

Python Turtle is an inbuilt module in Python that allows users to draw on a screen using a turtle. To draw a 3D cube using Python Turtle, you will need to import the turtle library and define the screen and turtle objects. You can then use turtle functions like forward(), backward(), left(), and right() to move the turtle and draw the cube. The cube can be filled with colour using the begin_fill() and end_fill() functions. Finally, the turtle.done() function is used to end the program and display the output.

Turtle programming basics

Turtle graphics is a popular way to introduce programming concepts to beginners. It's a fun and interactive module in Python that lets you create simple drawings and animations using a "turtle" that moves around the screen.

Turtle is an inbuilt module in Python that provides a drawing feature using a screen (cardboard) and a turtle (pen). To draw something on the screen, you need to move the turtle pen using functions like forward(), backward(), left(), and right(). You can also change the colour of the pen using the colour() function.

To get started with Turtle programming, you need to import the module and create a turtle object. Here's an example code snippet:

Python

From turtle import *

Create a new turtle object

Skk = turtle.Turtle()

Move the turtle forward by 100 pixels

Skk.forward(100)

Change the direction of the turtle

Skk.left(90)

You can also set the speed of the turtle using the speed() function and hide or show the turtle using the hideturtle() and showturtle() functions, respectively.

Turtle graphics is a great way to learn the basics of programming and create simple drawings and animations.

Turtle functions: forward, backward, etc

The turtle module in Python provides a range of functions to control the movement of the turtle and create drawings. Here are some commonly used turtle functions with detailed explanations:

Forward(distance) and backward(distance)

The forward() function moves the turtle forward by the specified distance, drawing a line as it moves. Similarly, the backward() function moves the turtle backward by the given distance, also drawing a line. The distance can be a positive or negative number, determining the direction of movement.

Left(angle) and right(angle)

The left() and right() functions turn the turtle left or right by the specified angle, respectively. The angle can be provided in degrees or radians, depending on whether the degrees() or radians() function has been called. These functions change the turtle's heading without moving its position.

Up() and down()

The up() function stops the turtle from drawing lines as it moves. It lifts the pen up from the screen, so the turtle can be repositioned without leaving a trail. Conversely, the down() function resumes drawing. When down() is called, the turtle will start drawing again from its new position.

Setx(xpos) and sety(ypos)

These functions change the x-coordinate and y-coordinate of the turtle, respectively. The turtle moves horizontally or vertically to the new position, drawing a line along the way. The movement is relative to the coordinate axis, not the turtle's current position, and the turtle's heading remains unchanged.

Goto(x, y)

The goto() function moves the turtle to an absolute position on the x-y plane. It takes two arguments, x and y, specifying the target coordinates. The turtle moves along the shortest linear path to reach the new position, drawing a line as it goes. The turtle's heading remains unchanged.

Home()

The home() function sends the turtle back to its starting position, which is typically the center of the turtle's screen. This function is useful for resetting the turtle's position without altering its heading.

These are just a few examples of the turtle functions available in Python. There are many more functions and methods that can be used to create complex drawings and animations.

Drawing the front square

To draw a cube in Python Turtle, you first need to import the turtle package and create a turtle pen. You can do this with the following code:

Python

Import turtle package

Import turtle

Creating turtle pen

Pen = turtle.Turtle()

Now, to draw the front square of the cube, you can use the `forward()` and `left()` methods of the turtle pen. The `forward()` method moves the turtle forward by a specified amount, and the `left()` method turns the turtle anticlockwise. Here's an example code snippet to draw the front square:

Python

Pen.forward(100)

Pen.left(90)

Pen.forward(100)

Pen.left(90)

Pen.forward(100)

Pen.left(90)

Pen.forward(100)

Pen.left(90)

In this code, `pen.forward(100)` moves the turtle forward by 100 units, and `pen.left(90)` turns the turtle 90 degrees to the left. These commands are repeated four times to create a square. You can change the value passed to the `forward()` method to adjust the size of the square.

Additionally, you can customize the colour of the square by using the `color()` method before drawing the square. For example:

Python

Set the colour of the pen

Pen.color("yellow")

This will set the colour of the pen to yellow, so when you draw the front square, it will be filled in with that colour.

By following these steps and adjusting the values as needed, you can successfully draw the front square of a cube using Python Turtle.

Drawing the back square

To draw the back square of the cube, you will need to use the 'turtle' module in Python. This module provides a screen (like cardboard) and a turtle (like a pen) to draw on the screen.

Step 1: Import the Turtle Module

First, you need to import the turtle module in your Python script. You can do this by adding the following line to your code:

Python

Import turtle

Step 2: Create a Turtle Object

Next, you need to create a turtle object that you can use for drawing. You can create a turtle object by calling the `Turtle()` function from the turtle module. Here's an example:

Python

Pen = turtle.Turtle()

Step 3: Set the Colour of the Turtle Pen

Before you start drawing the back square, you can set the colour of the turtle pen. You can use the `color()` function to do this. For example, to set the colour to purple, you would use:

Python

Pen.color("purple")

Step 4: Draw the Back Square

Now, you can start drawing the back square. The back square will be positioned at the bottom-right corner of the front square. To draw the back square, you will need to repeat the following steps four times:

• Move the turtle forward by a certain amount (e.g., 100 units) using the `forward()` function.
• Turn the turtle left by 90 degrees using the `left()` function.

Here's an example of the code you would use to draw the back square:

Python

For i in range(4):

Pen.forward(100)

Pen.left(90)

Step 5: Position the Turtle for the Next Step

After drawing the back square, you need to position the turtle at the bottom-right corner of the back square. You can use the `goto()` function to move the turtle to the desired position. For example, if the bottom-right corner of the back square is at coordinates (150, 50), you would use:

Python

Pen.goto(150, 50)

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully draw the back square of the cube using Python Turtle.

Drawing the remaining sides

To draw the remaining sides of the cube, you will need to repeat the steps for drawing the front and back squares on the remaining four sides. Here is a detailed explanation of how to do this:

• Moving to the next side: After drawing the front square, you need to move the turtle to the bottom left corner of the next side. You can use the `.goto()` function to achieve this. For example, if your front square is at coordinates (0, 0), you can use `.goto(-50, -50)` to move to the bottom left corner of the next side.
• Drawing the next square: Once you are in position, you can start drawing the next square by repeating the steps for drawing the front square. Use the `.forward()` function to move the turtle forward by a specified amount, and then use the `.left()` function to turn the turtle anticlockwise by 90 degrees. Repeat this process three more times to complete the square.
• Repeating for the remaining sides: To finish the cube, you need to repeat the above steps for the remaining two sides. Move to the bottom left corner of each side and then draw the square. Remember to use the appropriate colours for each side if you are creating a coloured cube.

Python

Moving to the next side

Pen.goto(-50, -50)

Drawing the next square

For i in range(4):

Pen.forward(100)

Pen.left(90)

Moving to the final side

Pen.goto(0, 50)

Drawing the final square

For i in range(4):

Pen.forward(100)

Pen.left(90)

Remember to adjust the coordinates and distances according to your specific cube size and position.

By following these steps and repeating the square-drawing process for each side, you will successfully draw the remaining sides of the cube using Python Turtle.

Frequently asked questions