10 Simple Python Projects for Beginners

Python is a general-purpose programming language with high-level capability useful in a wide range of applications. Python projects can be a helpful way for beginners to learn new Python skills while adding programming projects to their portfolio for future employers. 

First released in 1991, Python is an older programming language that’s still relevant today. You can find Python programmers at major organizations like IBM, NASA, Facebook, Pixar, Google, and more. In fact, Python was the third most-used programming language in 2023 with 49.28 percent of developers utilizing it globally [1].

What is Python?

Python is a popular programming language with simple syntax used in a wide variety of applications. It’s an object-oriented programming language that’s considered easy to learn by programming language standards. Python has over 200 modules that offer additional functionality, such as Django, NumPy, Pygame, and many more. 

As an adaptable and versatile programming language, Python is useful for a wide variety of purposes, including web development, data science, machine learning, blockchain development, and game development. 

Python projects for beginners 

These Python projects for beginners can help you whether you’re looking for a fun way to practice your Python programming skills or are interested in adding projects to your professional portfolio. Some of the skills featured in these projects include programming principles, Python programming language, game development and design, syntax and semantics, conditionals, loops, and functions. If you’re just getting started with Python, many of these projects are guided and designed by experts with beginners in mind.

1. Number guessing

This number-guessing game on Coursera is a simple, interactive game you can create using Python. This project will help you develop Python syntax and semantics, programming principles, and programming language concepts. You can complete this beginner-level project in less than two hours. 

2. Ping Pong

Create the classic Ping-Pong Game in Python using Turtle Graphics on Coursera. This course is a beginner-intermediate course so you may need some experience with Python before trying this project, which teaches you skills such as loops, functions, and if conditions.

3. Hangman 

Hangman is another popular game that’s a suitable Python project for beginners. In this Guided Project on Coursera, you will use data types, loops, and if conditions to create the classic phrase-guessing game. This beginner-level project takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. 

4. Tic-tac-toe

In this project, you can create the game tic-tac-toe using Python. This Guided Project on Coursera will introduce you to Pygame, a Python module used to develop video games and support graphics. This is an intermediate project that will build on what you’ve already learned about game development and add elements of game design. Tic-tac-toe in Python takes approximately 90 minutes to finish. 

5. Story generator

Create your own text adventure game with this Guided Project on Coursera. In this beginner-level project, you’ll use principles of game design and Python to create a character sheet with customizable skills, add storylines and character choices, develop a combat system, and even perform simulated dice skill checks. This project takes approximately two hours to finish. 

6. Word guessing

In this Python project for beginners, you’ll create a simple game that involves guessing a word by selecting letters. You’ll practice using the random module along with strings, loops, and if-else statements. 

7. Password generator 

Use your Python skills to create a simple password generator with this tutorial. Not only can this project give you a potential portfolio entry, but it can also become a tool to strengthen your own passwords. 

8. Chatbot

Create your own chatbot with this Guided Project on Coursera using Python and Rasa, which is software used for conversational artificial intelligence. This beginner-level project helps you develop your skills in AI while creating a tangible product to enhance your project portfolio, or it can just serve as a fun challenge. This project takes about two hours to complete. 

9. Snake

Recreate the game “Snake” using Python with this tutorial. In this project, you’ll learn more about using Pygame to create games in Python, including setting up the game and programming the functions needed to perform the game logic. 

10. Roll the dice 

Create a simple dice game with this Guided Project available on Coursera. In this 60-minute beginner-level project, you’ll practice the core concepts of Python by building your program from scratch. 

Building a project portfolio 

A programming portfolio helps you demonstrate to potential employers and clients that you have the skills they are looking for. The projects you include can be ones you’ve completed independently or for classwork. They aren’t restricted to projects you’ve completed for clients or in a professional setting, although these may be an excellent way to demonstrate your skill base. 

When compiling your project portfolio, include your best work that’s most representative of your skill level. Also, keep in mind the kind of job you’d like to find and stock your portfolio with relevant projects. If you’re preparing for an interview and the job description lists a specific framework like Pygame or Django, consider including projects that demonstrate your skills in those frameworks. 

A common way to showcase your portfolio after it’s completed is to create a programming portfolio website. Make sure your website is easy to use and navigate, and remember to include a section detailing more about who you are and how potential employers and potential clients can contact you.   

Next steps 

These Python projects for beginners can help you get experience using the Python language and gain practical coding experience you can use in a portfolio. If you’re still looking for the perfect project, you’ll find more options to choose from on Coursera.

Try projects like Python 101: Develop Your First Python Program and Concepts in Python: Loops, Functions and Returns on Coursera to help you develop your portfolio and learn new skills in programming.

You can also build your skills in other programming languages with a collection of popular free Guided Projects authored by the Coursera Project Network.