GUI programming: Create a Calculator in Python from Coursera

By the end of this guided project, you’ll create a fully functioning Calculator application using python’s popular library Tkinter. You’ll be able to create a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in Python from scratch. Throughout the first 3 tasks you’ll learn how to create and customize the application window, you’ll learn how to create widgets such as buttons and entry boxes, you’ll also learn how to modify the widgets and change their color, size and orientation and finally you’ll learn how to manage the layout of the widgets and how to place them in the window using three different methods. And in the last 3 tasks, you’ll use what you learned to build the graphical user interface of the calculator and get your calculator ready to use.

Out of all the GUI methods in Python, Tkinter is the most commonly used method. Python with Tkinter is the fastest and easiest way to create GUI applications. Tkinter widgets can be used to construct buttons, menus, data fields, etc. in a Python application. Once created, these graphical elements can be associated with or interact with features, functionality, methods, data or even other widgets.

This guided project is for intermediate programmers who already have general knowledge of Python basics and want to test out their knowledge with a real application and looking forward to developing a software in less than 1 hour. This project can be your portal into software development.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

By the end of this guided project, you’ll create a fully functioning Calculator application using Python’s popular library Tkinter. You’ll be able to create a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in Python from scratch. Throughout the first 3 tasks you’ll learn how to create and customize the application window, you’ll learn how to create widgets such as buttons and entry boxes, you’ll also learn how to modify the widgets and change their color, size and orientation and finally you’ll learn how to manage the layout of the widgets and how to place them in the window using three different methods. And in the last 3 tasks, you’ll use what you've learned to build the graphical user interface of the calculator and get your calculator ready to use.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in Python and GUI development

Introduces students with intermediate knowledge of Python to a real-world application

Develops essential software development skills for creating GUI applications

Covers core Python concepts and libraries, including Tkinter

Teaches learners how to design and implement graphical user interfaces in Python

Provides practical experience in building a fully functioning calculator application

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in GUI programming: Create a Calculator in Python with these activities:

Review Python Basics

Show steps

Ensure proficiency in core Python concepts to facilitate comprehension and implementation of Tkinter.

Browse courses on Python Basics

Show steps

Review variables, data types, control flow, and functions

Review Intro to Python

Show steps

Provide the foundation for building your skills in creating a GUI application using Python.

View Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the introduction and chapter 1
Complete end-of-chapter exercises

Review Object-oriented Programming syntax

Show steps

Complete this quick refresher to ensure you have the necessary knowledge of Python's syntax.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

Show steps

Review the basic syntax of Python, including variables, data types, and operators.
Review the concepts of classes, objects, and inheritance in Python.

Nine other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 12 activities

Review Object-Oriented Programming Concepts

Show steps

Enhance understanding of Python's object-oriented approach, essential for designing and implementing Tkinter GUIs.

Browse courses on Object-Oriented Programming

Show steps

Review classes, objects, and inheritance

Intro to Tkinter

Show steps

Provide a structured guide to understanding the core concepts of Tkinter and creating basic GUI elements.

Browse courses on Tkinter

Show steps

Complete the official Tkinter tutorial
Follow along with a video tutorial on GUI design

Practice creating widgets with Tkinter

Show steps

This activity will strengthen your understanding of how to use Tkinter to create different types of widgets.

Show steps

Use Tkinter to create a simple window with a label, button, and entry field.
Experiment with different options for customizing the appearance of the widgets.

Follow a tutorial on creating a Tkinter calculator

Show steps

This activity will provide you with step-by-step guidance for building the main functionality of the calculator.

Show steps

Find a reputable tutorial on creating a Tkinter calculator.
Follow the instructions in the tutorial to create the calculator's interface and functionality.

GUI Design Exercises

Show steps

Offers repetitive exercises to reinforce GUI design skills and apply Python concepts to create functional GUIs.

Browse courses on GUI Design

Show steps

Create a GUI with a button, entry field, and text display
Handle events and create an interactive application

Collaborate with a peer to debug your calculator

Show steps

Working with a peer can help you identify errors and improve your coding skills.

Show steps

Find a peer who is also working on the calculator project.
Share your code with each other and work together to identify and fix any errors.

Create a simple calculator using Tkinter

Show steps

This activity will challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge to create a fully functional calculator.

Show steps

Design the user interface of the calculator, including the layout and appearance of the buttons and display.
Implement the basic functionality of the calculator, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Extend the functionality of the calculator to include more advanced operations, such as percentages and square roots.

Discuss GUI Design Patterns

Show steps

Promote knowledge exchange and provide fresh perspectives on GUI design patterns and techniques.

Browse courses on Programming Principles

Show steps

Join a study group or online forum
Discuss different GUI design patterns and their pros and cons

Participate in a Tkinter coding competition

Show steps

Participating in a competition can motivate you to push your skills to the next level.

Show steps

Find a Tkinter coding competition that you are interested in.
Develop a Tkinter application that meets the requirements of the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete GUI programming: Create a Calculator in Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which is an essential skill for Software Developers. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in the software industry. This hands-on experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which is an essential skill for Web Developers. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in web development. This hands-on experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

User Experience (UX) Designer

UX Designers are responsible for designing and evaluating the user experience of products and services. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which is an essential skill for UX Designers. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in software development. This hands-on experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Software Tester

Software Testers are responsible for testing and evaluating software applications to ensure they are working as intended. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which is an essential skill for Software Testers. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in the software industry. This hands-on experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to extract meaningful insights. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which can be useful for Data Analysts who need to create custom dashboards and visualizations to present their findings. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is a versatile tool for creating graphical user interfaces. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which can be useful for Product Managers who need to understand the user experience and design of their products. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in software development. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which can be useful for Technical Writers who need to understand the user experience and design of software products. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in software development. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop instructional materials, such as online courses, training programs, and user manuals. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which can be useful for Instructional Designers who need to create custom user interfaces for their learning materials. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is a versatile tool for creating graphical user interfaces. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course can help build a foundation in GUI programming, which can be useful for Graphic Designers who need to create custom user interfaces for their designs. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is a versatile tool for creating graphical user interfaces. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of databases. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who need to create custom user interfaces for their databases. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is a versatile tool for creating graphical user interfaces. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers who need to create custom user interfaces for their projects. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is a versatile tool for creating graphical user interfaces. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who need to create custom user interfaces for their clients. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is a versatile tool for creating graphical user interfaces. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of software products. This course may be useful for Technical Support Specialists who need to understand the user experience and design of software products. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in software development. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computers and other electronic devices. This course may be useful for Computer Support Specialists who need to understand the user experience and design of software products. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in software development. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

IT Specialist

IT Specialists provide technical support and assistance to users of computers and other electronic devices. This course may be useful for IT Specialists who need to understand the user experience and design of software products. The course will teach learners how to create a custom calculator application using Python's Tkinter library, which is commonly used in software development. This experience will give learners a practical understanding of GUI development and prepare them for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Specialist