B. import: Loading a Library

← A. Sequential Execution ⏱️ 3 min C. shape() Shape →

🎯 Learning Goals

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to:

○ importunderstands what it is
○ Understands why you need to import a library
○ import turtle can use the syntax

Core Concepts

What is import?

import means "bring in a tool." Turtle features aren't built into Python by default. You have to import them before you can use them!

import turtle  # Import the turtle tools!

🍳 Analogy: Cooking and Coding

To cook, you first have to take the ingredients out of the fridge, right? Coding is the same way: first you bring in the tools you need!

Refrigerator = Python library repository
Take out the ingredients = import Command
Turtle ingredients = turtle library

The flow of import

flowchart LR
    A["import turtle"] --> B["turtle.Turtle()"]
    B --> C["Turtle commands"]

    style A fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976d2
    style C fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#388e3c

Code execution order

Order	Code	Description
1️⃣	`import turtle`	Importing a tool
2️⃣	`turtle.Turtle()`	Create the turtle
3️⃣	Commands	forward, right, etc.

Try Visual Coding

🎯 Mission

○ Check the Python code that the "start turtle" block generates. Do you see import turtle?

# Add blocks and the Python code will show up here...

Add blocks and the flowchart will show up here...

Example Code

import turtle          # (1)
t = turtle.Turtle()    # (2)
t.shape("turtle")      # (3)

Import the turtle library - You have to write it first!
Create a turtle object and t Stores it in a variable
Set the turtle shape

What Happens

A turtle appears in the center of the screen! 🐢

📝 import always goes at the very top!

import The statement is always the code's The very first line is where you have to write it. After all, you can't use a tool without taking it out first!

🎯 Quiz

Quiz 1: what import does

Quiz: what import does

What does `import turtle` do?

Show Answer

Answer: A) It imports the turtle tools

importmeans "import". import turtle tells Python, "I'm going to use the turtle tools!"

import turtle  # Import the turtle tools!

Without this one line turtle.Turtle() You can't use the same command.

import syntax practice

To import the turtle tools:

import turtle

import = import (the keyword for loading a library)
turtle = the name of the turtle graphics library

🔧 Debug Clinic

Problem: a NameError occurs!

❌ Wrong Code

t = turtle.Turtle()  # What is turtle?

Error message: NameError: name 'turtle' is not defined

Cause: import turtleYou didn't write it

✅ Correct Code

import turtle        # Import it first!
t = turtle.Turtle()

Fix: at the very top of the program import turtle Add!

Try Coding It Yourself

Take what you learned with the blocks and write it yourself in Python code!

Drawing the ㄱ shape with the turtle

import turtleAfter importing the turtle tool with it, draw the ㄱ shape. If it succeeds: The turtle goes forward, then turns right to draw the ㄱ shape!

Example Answer

import turtle

t = turtle.Turtle()
t.shape('turtle')
t.forward(100)
t.right(90)
t.forward(100)

Result: The turtle draws the ㄱ shape!

🧩 Key Takeaways

What you learned in this lesson:

Concept	Description
import	the command that imports a library (tool)
turtle	Turtle graphics library
Position	Always at the code's The very first lineWrite in
Error	If you forget the import `NameError` Occurs

Review Checklist

[ ] importCan you explain what it is?
[ ] import turtleDo you know why you have to write it at the top of the code?
[ ] NameError Do you know how to fix it when an error occurs?
[ ] Did you confirm that the "start turtle" block in Blockly automatically adds the import?

← A. Sequential Execution C. shape() Shape →