Create a Connect Four Game in Python using Pygame from Coursera

In this 1-hour 30 minutes long project-based course, you’ll be able to create a connect four game in python using python’s popular library Pygame. You will learn about most of pygame’s functions and modules. You'll be able to implement the connect four game logic. You’ll be able to insert drawings, images and texts into your game. You’ll be able to handle events and react to them being activated and finally, you’ll be able to take input from the user.

Pygame is a set of python modules designed for writing video games. It allows you to create a fully featured game and multimedia programs in the python language. It’s also free, highly portable and runs on nearly every platform and operating system.

Python is a popular, high-level, general purpose, dynamic programming language. It is versatile, easy to pickup and learn, readable, and well-structured. You can find a library for basically anything you could imagine: from web development, through game development, to machine learning.

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

In this 1-hour long project-based course, you’ll be able to create a connect four game in python using python’s popular library Pygame. You will learn about most of pygame’s functions and modules. You'll be able to implement the connect four game logic. You’ll be able to insert drawings, images and texts into your game. You’ll be able to handle events and react to them being activated and finally, you’ll be able to take input from the user. Pygame is a set of python modules designed for writing video games. It allows you to create a fully featured game and multimedia programs in the python language. It’s also free, highly portable and runs on nearly every platform and operating system. Python is a popular, high-level, general purpose, dynamic programming language. It is versatile, easy to pickup and learn, readable, and well-structured. You can find a library for basically anything you could imagine: from web development, through game development, to machine learning.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the popular Pygame library, which is used in the development of video games

Suitable for novice learners with no experience in Python or Pygame

Develops skills in game development, an in-demand field in various industries

Provides practical hands-on experience through a project-based approach

Taught by Omar Ali Gaber, an instructor with expertise in game development and Python

Reviews summary

Keithgalli clone

Learners say this course is not worth the money because it contains code that is nearly identical to what is available for free on YouTube.

The course content is likely copied from KeithGalli's GitHub.

"And most likely the YouTube video (KeithGalli) was there before and the code is most likely copied from KeithGalli GitHub."

This course's content can be found for free on YouTube.

"It not worth it you can see the almost identical code on a YouTube and its explained really good as well."

"No payment needed and its for free."

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 Create a Connect Four Game in Python using Pygame with these activities:

Review Python Programming Basics

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Strengthen your Python foundations by reviewing core concepts and practicing basic programming exercises.

Browse courses on Python

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Review data types, variables, and operators
Practice writing simple functions
Solve beginner-level coding challenges

Curate a Collection of Pygame Resources

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Build a repository of helpful resources, including tutorials, documentation, and community forums, for quick reference and future learning.

Browse courses on PyGame

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Gather links to relevant Pygame tutorials
Bookmark documentation pages for easy access
Join online communities and forums for discussions

Explore Official Pygame Tutorials

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Enhance your understanding of Pygame's capabilities by following guided tutorials provided by the Pygame community.

Browse courses on PyGame

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Go through the 'Getting Started with Pygame' tutorial
Explore tutorials on specific game mechanics, such as collision detection or sound effects
Experiment with different tutorials to expand your skills

Four other activities

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Read 'Python Game Development with Pygame'

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Supplement your learning by exploring advanced concepts and techniques in game development with Pygame.

View Scratch 3 Programming Playground on Amazon

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Review the fundamentals of Pygame
Explore advanced topics such as collision detection and AI
Create your own game projects

Connect with Experienced Pygame Developers

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Seek guidance from experienced Pygame developers to gain insights, ask questions, and accelerate your learning.

Browse courses on PyGame

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Attend Pygame community events or online forums
Reach out to developers on LinkedIn or other platforms
Build connections and ask for advice or mentorship

Solve Pygame Coding Challenges

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Test your understanding of Pygame by solving coding challenges, which will help you identify areas for improvement.

Browse courses on PyGame

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Find coding challenges on websites like Codewars or LeetCode
Attempt to solve the challenges using Pygame
Review solutions and learn from your mistakes

Develop a fully functional connect 4 game

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Demonstrate your understanding of the Pygame library and the concepts covered in the course by building a complete game.

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Plan the game's design and functionality
Create a graphical user interface using Pygame
Implement the game logic and player interaction
Test and debug the game to ensure it runs smoothly

Career center

Learners who complete Create a Connect Four Game in Python using Pygame will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Designer

Game Designers develop game concepts, design game levels, and create game rules. They work closely with programmers, artists, and other team members to bring their game ideas to life. This course provides a foundation in the basics of game design, including game mechanics, level design, and user interface design. It also covers the use of Pygame, a popular Python library for game development. This course may be useful for aspiring Game Designers who want to learn the basics of game development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including gaming, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course provides a foundation in the basics of software development, including object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms. It also covers the use of Pygame, a popular Python library for game development. This course may be useful for aspiring Software Engineers who want to learn the basics of software development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They work in a variety of industries, including e-commerce, education, and healthcare. This course provides a foundation in the basics of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It also covers the use of Pygame, a popular Python library for game development. This course may be useful for aspiring Web Developers who want to learn the basics of web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and marketing. This course provides a foundation in the basics of data science, including data analysis, machine learning, and statistics. It also covers the use of Pygame, a popular Python library for game development. This course may be useful for aspiring Data Scientists who want to learn the basics of data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers develop and deploy machine learning models. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This course provides a foundation in the basics of machine learning, including supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and deep learning. It also covers the use of Pygame, a popular Python library for game development. This course may be useful for aspiring Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn the basics of machine learning.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work closely with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring their product ideas to life. This course provides a foundation in the basics of product management, including product planning, development, and marketing. It also covers the use of Pygame, a popular Python library for game development. This course may be useful for aspiring Product Managers who want to learn the basics of product management.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create user manuals, documentation, and other written materials that explain technical products and services. They work in a variety of industries, including software, hardware, and manufacturing. This course provides a foundation in the basics of technical writing, including document structure, style, and grammar. It also covers the use of Pygame, a popular Python library for game development. This course may be useful for aspiring Technical Writers who want to learn the basics of technical writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer