| DJC | Tutorial | Python |

To-Do List in Python: Step-by-Step Guide - DJC

A To-Do List is one of the most classic projects to learn programming.
With this project in Python, you will not only practice the basics of the language, but also move toward a more professional level by creating web applications with Django.

In this guide, you will learn how to:

  • Create a simple To-Do List in Python from the console.
  • Improve the application using files or databases to store tasks.
  • Build a To-Do List with Django, ready to be deployed on the web.

Why a To-Do List in Python?

Building a to-do list in Python is an ideal project because it combines simplicity with scalability:
- It lets you practice lists, functions, and control structures.
- You learn how to save and load data.
- You discover how to turn a basic idea into a web project with Django, one of the most popular Python frameworks.

In addition, it’s a project you can customize and showcase in your programmer portfolio.

1. Basic To-Do List in Console

We’ll start with a minimal version that runs in the terminal.
At this level, you will learn how to:
- Add tasks.
- Mark tasks as completed.
- Delete tasks.
- Display the updated list. 

# to_do_list.py

tasks = []

def show_tasks():
    print("\n--- Tasks ---")
    for i, task in enumerate(tasks, 1):
        print(f"{i}. {task}")

while True:
    print("\n1. Add task")
    print("2. View tasks")
    print("3. Exit")
    option = input("Choose an option: ")

    if option == "1":
        new_task = input("Write the task: ")
        tasks.append(new_task)
    elif option == "2":
        show_tasks()
    elif option == "3":
        break
    else:
        print("Invalid option")

This example is simple, but it serves as the foundation for further development.

2. Saving Tasks to a File

The next step is to persist the information, meaning saving tasks even after closing the program. This can be achieved with a .txt file or even JSON.

Here you will practice file reading and writing in Python, which is essential in any real project.

3. To-Do List with a Graphical Interface

We can improve the user experience by using libraries like Tkinter or PyQt. This will allow you to display tasks in a window and add buttons to interact with them.

That way, your to-do list is no longer just a console program but becomes a desktop application in Python.

4. To-Do List with Django (Web Application)

The most advanced step is building a To-Do List on the web using Django. With this approach you will learn how to:

  • Create a Django project.
  • Define a Task model in the database.
  • Use forms to add, edit, and delete tasks.
  • Build HTML templates with Django Templates.
  • Deploy your application on a server (e.g., Railway, Render, Heroku, or VPS).

A project like this is perfect for your professional portfolio, as it demonstrates your ability to build complete applications.

The To-Do List in Python is a versatile project suitable for all levels:

  • If you are just starting out, you can build it in the console.
  • If you want to progress, add persistence and a graphical interface.
  • And if you are looking for a bigger challenge, turn it into a web application with Django.

This way, you not only practice programming in Python but also learn how to develop real, production-ready software.

Coming Soon

The to-do list project is still under development, so we’ll be adding more content in the coming days.

Detailed tutorials for each version of the To-Do List in Python, with step-by-step code.

Stay tuned to this section to follow the development process.

| DJC | Tutorial | Python |