Python: Writing Useful Scripts
Learn how to write real, functioning Python code to automate tedious tasks and crunch everyday numbers. Build confidence step-by-step from your first variable to clean, reusable custom functions.
Like Duolingo, but for Python: Writing Useful Scripts. Tomo turns the whole topic into a game you play five minutes a day, until it actually sticks.
A short one: 12 levels across 2 sections, about 24 minutes end to end, roughly 5 days at five minutes a day. It moves through Making Your Computer Follow Instructions and Scaling Up and Automating Work. It starts from scratch.
Free forever · No credit card · iPhone & Android
Key ideas in Python: Writing Useful Scripts
- In Python, an equals sign assigns whatever is calculated on the right side into the variable on the left
- Referencing a variable reads its current stored value
- Reassigning a variable overwrites its old value with the newly computed one
- Python treats quotes around a value as string text and bare digits as numeric values
- Python throws an error if you try to add a raw number to a text string with `+`
- The `str()` function converts an integer into text so it can safely join other strings
- Python uses `**` for exponents rather than the `^` symbol
- Single slash `/` in Python performs division and produces a decimal float
- The `%` modulo operator isolates the remainder left after whole division
- Placing the letter `f` before quotes turns a normal string into an f-string in Python
- Curly braces `{}` inside an f-string evaluate and insert variable values directly into the text
- Without the `f` prefix, Python displays the literal curly braces and text instead of the variable's value
- `print()` outputs values to the screen so you can inspect them, but never changes what is stored in a variable
- Python only alters a variable's stored value when an assignment (`=`) takes place
- A script runs calculations internally in silent memory unless explicitly told to `print()` them
- Python only runs the indented code under an `if` when the condition is True
You've tried the other tabs
Thirty open tabs. Four facts you actually kept.
You watched. You nodded. By Sunday it was gone.
One answer, then back to scrolling.
Eight weeks. You meant to finish. You didn't.
Tomo gives Python: Writing Useful Scripts the Duolingo treatment: levels, streaks, and quick quizzes that test what you just learned. That game loop is what the tabs above never had, so it's the one you actually finish.
Here's what playing it feels like
A real question from this course. Take your best guess.
If you have `score = 10` and then write `score + 2`, what does Python do when it sees `score`?
Get it right to open this lesson and 11 more in the app.
How to learn Python: Writing Useful Scripts, step by step
Go in order. 12 short levels across 2 sections, about 24 minutes in all, five minutes a day.
- 1
Making Your Computer Follow Instructions
- Storing and Transforming Values
- Branching Paths with Conditions
- 2
Scaling Up and Automating Work
- Processing Collections with Loops
- Packaging Reusable Logic into Functions
2 sections · 4 units · 12 levels. Built to play, not to enroll.
Questions about Python: Writing Useful Scripts
How do I learn Python: Writing Useful Scripts?
Go in order: start with Making Your Computer Follow Instructions, then Scaling Up and Automating Work. On Tomo that's 12 short levels, about 24 minutes in all, played five minutes a day. Start free and play the first level in under a minute.
Is there a Duolingo-style app for Python: Writing Useful Scripts?
Yes. Tomo works like Duolingo: short daily lessons, streaks and quick quizzes. Python: Writing Useful Scripts is one of its free courses, and you can type any other topic to get a course of your own.
Is the Python: Writing Useful Scripts course free?
Yes. Python: Writing Useful Scripts is playable on Tomo's free plan, which doesn't expire. No credit card, no waitlist. Download the app and start your first lesson.
How long does it take to learn Python: Writing Useful Scripts?
12 levels across 2 sections, about 24 minutes of play in total. It's built for five minutes a day, so you finish it a little at a time instead of all at once.
Do I need any background to start Python: Writing Useful Scripts?
No. It's pitched at a beginner level, so it starts where you are and builds up. If you can tap a phone, you can start.
Tomo is in ChatGPT
Tomo is also a ChatGPT plugin: the same playable courses, built and played inside your chat.
Add Tomo to ChatGPT- What to ask
- “Make me a Tomo course on black holes.” “Turn this chat into a Tomo course.”
- What you get
- Quick questions with instant feedback, hearts and stars, ready to play in about a minute.
- Where it goes
- No sign-up to start. Connect your Tomo account and your streak carries on in the app.
You pick the voice
Python: Writing Useful Scripts is taught in the Bestie style: your friend who just gets it. Want a different feel? In the app you can spin up the same topic in any of Tomo's teaching styles. Same facts, totally different vibe.
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Start Python: Writing Useful Scripts today.
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