How To Code A To Do List Python

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a simple To-Do List application using Python. This application will allow users to add tasks, view tasks, and remove tasks from their to-do lists. We will be using Python built-in functions and modules to achieve our goal. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Import Necessary Modules

First, we will need to import the “os” module, which offers a way of using operating system-dependent functionality. We will use it to clear the screen when updating the task list.

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import os

Step 2: Create a Function to Clear the Screen

Next, we will create a function called clear_screen() that will use the “os” module to clear the screen. This function will be utilized every time the list updates.

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def clear_screen():
    os.system('cls' if os.name == 'nt' else 'clear')

Step 3: Create a Function to Display the To-Do List

In this step, we will create a function named view_tasks() to display the existing tasks in the to-do list. This function will loop through the tasks in the list and display them with their index value + 1.

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def view_tasks(tasks):
    clear_screen()
    if tasks:
        print("To-Do List:")
        for index, task in enumerate(tasks, start=1):
            print(f"{index}. {task}")
    else:
        print("Your To-Do List is empty.")

Step 4: Create a Function to Add Tasks

Now, we will create a function called add_task() that will ask the user for input and append their task to the existing list of tasks.

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def add_task(tasks):
    task = input("Enter a task: ")
    tasks.append(task)
    print(f"'{task}' added to the list.")

Step 5: Create a Function to Remove Tasks

In this step, we will create a function named remove_task() that will ask the user which task they would like to remove and delete the selected task from the to-do list.

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def remove_task(tasks):
    if tasks:
        view_tasks(tasks)
        task_index = int(input("Enter the number of the task you want to remove: ")) - 1
        removed_task = tasks.pop(task_index)
        print(f"'{removed_task}' removed from the list.")
    else:
        print("Your To-Do List is empty.")

Step 6: Create the Main Function

Now, we need to create a function named main() that will serve as the entry point for our application. It will display a menu for the user to choose an action, and then call the corresponding function.

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def main():
    tasks = []
 
    while True:
        print("\nTo-Do List Actions:")
        print("1. View tasks")
        print("2. Add tasks")
        print("3. Remove tasks")
        print("4. Quit")
 
        action = input("Choose an action: ")
 
        if action == "1":
            view_tasks(tasks)
        elif action == "2":
            add_task(tasks)
        elif action == "3":
            remove_task(tasks)
        elif action == "4":
            break
        else:
            print("Invalid choice, please try again.")

Step 7: Run the Application

Finally, to run the application, add the following code at the end of the file, which calls the main() function:

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if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Full Code

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import os
 
def clear_screen():
    os.system('cls' if os.name == 'nt' else 'clear')
 
def view_tasks(tasks):
    clear_screen()
    if tasks:
        print("To-Do List:")
        for index, task in enumerate(tasks, start=1):
            print(f"{index}. {task}")
    else:
        print("Your To-Do List is empty.")
 
def add_task(tasks):
    task = input("Enter a task: ")
    tasks.append(task)
    print(f"'{task}' added to the list.")
 
def remove_task(tasks):
    if tasks:
        view_tasks(tasks)
        task_index = int(input("Enter the number of the task you want to remove: ")) - 1
        removed_task = tasks.pop(task_index)
        print(f"'{removed_task}' removed from the list.")
    else:
        print("Your To-Do List is empty.")
 
def main():
    tasks = []
 
    while True:
        print("\nTo-Do List Actions:")
        print("1. View tasks")
        print("2. Add tasks")
        print("3. Remove tasks")
        print("4. Quit")
 
        action = input("Choose an action: ")
 
        if action == "1":
            view_tasks(tasks)
        elif action == "2":
            add_task(tasks)
        elif action == "3":
            remove_task(tasks)
        elif action == "4":
            break
        else:
            print("Invalid choice, please try again.")
 
if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Output

To-Do List Actions:
1. View tasks
2. Add tasks
3. Remove tasks
4. Quit
Choose an action:

Conclusion

We have successfully created a simple To-Do List application in Python. This application allows users to add, view, and remove tasks from their to-do lists.

This project can be further expanded by adding features like task prioritization and due dates, or even integrating with a database to store tasks. Keep exploring and enhancing your skills!