Python Projects for Beginners - To do list app

 Python Projects for Beginners

How to build To Do List App in Python

An application called a " To do list app " is made to help users in managing, tracking, and organizing their tasks. Users can make a to-do list, prioritize it, add deadlines, mark it as finished, and occasionally even schedule reminders. Applications for to-do lists are frequently used for time management, project management, and personal productivity.

Key Features of a To-Do List Application

1. Task Creation: In this feature users can add tasks, descriptions, due dates, and priorities.
2. Task Management: Users can add, edit, delete, or mark tasks as completed.
3. Prioritization: Tasks can be set priority levels like High, Medium, Low to help users focus on what’s important.
4. Due Dates: Users have to set deadlines for tasks to ensure timely completion.
5. Reminders: Notifications or reminders can be set to alert users about tasks.
6. Sorting and Filtering: Tasks can be sorted or filtered by using due date, priority, or completion status.
7. Search Functionality: Users can use this feature to search for specific tasks by name or keyword.
8. Persistence: Tasks can be saved so they persist even after the application is closed.
9. User Interface: A clean and intuitive interface is used (command-line or graphical) for easy interaction.

Why Use a To-Do List Application?

1. Improved Productivity: It helps users stay organized and focused on their goals.
2. Time Management: Time management allows users to allocate time effectively by prioritizing tasks.
3. Reduced Stress: It helps to keep track of tasks so users don’t forget important deadlines.
4. Progress Tracking: Users can know about what they’ve accomplished and what’s left to do.

Types of To-Do List Applications

Simple To-Do Lists:

Basic applications that allow users to add and check off tasks.

Example: A sticky note or a basic mobile app.

Advanced Task Managers:

Include due dates, priorities, reminders, and collaboration.

Example: Todoist, Microsoft To-Do, or Trello.

Project Management Tools:

It is decorated for teams and complex projects with features like task dependencies, timelines, and collaboration.

Example: Asana, Jira, or Monday.com.

Custom-Built Applications:

This can be made to specific needs, often built by individuals or organizations.

Example: The Python-based To-Do List application we’re building.

Example Use Cases

Personal Use:  User can manage daily chores, grocery lists, or personal goals.

Work/Professional Use: The users can track work assignments, organise meeting deadlines, and to manage projects. 

Academic Use: The user can keep track of homework, exams, and study schedules.

Team Collaboration: The team assigned tasks to team members and to track progress.

Step 1: Set Up the Project

Create a new directory for your project:

Python Code

mkdir todo-app
cd todo-app

Step 2: Write the Full Code

Save and Open todo.py in your favorite text editor or IDE and add the following code:

Python Code

# todo.py

import json
from datetime import datetime, timedelta

# File to store tasks
TASKS_FILE = "tasks.json"

# Initialize an empty list to store tasks
tasks = []

# Function to load tasks from a file
def load_tasks():
    try:
        with open(TASKS_FILE, "r") as file:
            return json.load(file)
    except FileNotFoundError:
        return []

# Function to save tasks to a file
def save_tasks():
    with open(TASKS_FILE, "w") as file:
        json.dump(tasks, file, indent=4)

# Function to display the menu
def show_menu():
    print("\n--- To-Do List Menu ---")
    print("1. View Tasks")
    print("2. Add a Task")
    print("3. Mark a Task as Completed")
    print("4. Delete a Task")
    print("5. Sort Tasks")
    print("6. Search Tasks")
    print("7. Send Reminders")
    print("8. Exit")

# Function to view all tasks
def view_tasks():
    if not tasks:
        print("\nNo tasks available.")
    else:
        print("\n--- Your Tasks ---")
        for index, task in enumerate(tasks, start=1):
            status = "Done" if task["completed"] else "Not Done"
            due_date = task.get("due_date", "No due date")
            priority = task.get("priority", "No priority")
            print(f"{index}. {task['name']} - Priority: {priority} - Due: {due_date} - {status}")

# Function to add a task
def add_task():
    task_name = input("\nEnter the task name: ")
    due_date = input("Enter the due date (YYYY-MM-DD, optional): ")
    priority = input("Enter the priority (High/Medium/Low, optional): ")

    # Validate due date format
    if due_date:
        try:
            datetime.strptime(due_date, "%Y-%m-%d")
        except ValueError:
            print("Invalid date format. Please use YYYY-MM-DD.")
            return

    # Add task to the list
    task = {
        "name": task_name,
        "completed": False,
        "due_date": due_date if due_date else None,
        "priority": priority if priority else None,
    }
    tasks.append(task)
    save_tasks()
    print(f"Task '{task_name}' added successfully!")

# Function to mark a task as completed
def mark_completed():
    view_tasks()
    try:
        task_number = int(input("\nEnter the task number to mark as completed: "))
        if 1 <= task_number <= len(tasks):
            tasks[task_number - 1]["completed"] = True
            save_tasks()
            print(f"Task '{tasks[task_number - 1]['name']}' marked as completed!")
        else:
            print("Invalid task number.")
    except ValueError:
        print("Please enter a valid number.")

# Function to delete a task
def delete_task():
    view_tasks()
    try:
        task_number = int(input("\nEnter the task number to delete: "))
        if 1 <= task_number <= len(tasks):
            deleted_task = tasks.pop(task_number - 1)
            save_tasks()
            print(f"Task '{deleted_task['name']}' deleted successfully!")
        else:
            print("Invalid task number.")
    except ValueError:
        print("Please enter a valid number.")

# Function to sort tasks by due date or priority
def sort_tasks():
    print("\n--- Sort Tasks ---")
    print("1. Sort by Due Date")
    print("2. Sort by Priority")
    choice = input("Enter your choice (1-2): ")

    if choice == "1":
        tasks.sort(key=lambda x: x.get("due_date", "9999-12-31"))  # Default to far future if no due date
        print("Tasks sorted by due date.")
    elif choice == "2":
        priority_order = {"High": 1, "Medium": 2, "Low": 3}
        tasks.sort(key=lambda x: priority_order.get(x.get("priority", "Low"), 4))
        print("Tasks sorted by priority.")
    else:
        print("Invalid choice.")
    save_tasks()

# Function to search tasks by name
def search_tasks():
    search_term = input("\nEnter a search term: ")
    found_tasks = [task for task in tasks if search_term.lower() in task["name"].lower()]
    if found_tasks:
        print("\n--- Search Results ---")
        for index, task in enumerate(found_tasks, start=1):
            status = "Done" if task["completed"] else "Not Done"
            due_date = task.get("due_date", "No due date")
            priority = task.get("priority", "No priority")
            print(f"{index}. {task['name']} - Priority: {priority} - Due: {due_date} - {status}")
    else:
        print("No tasks found matching your search.")

# Function to send reminders for tasks due soon
def send_reminders():
    today = datetime.now()
    due_soon_tasks = [task for task in tasks if task.get("due_date") and not task["completed"]]
    due_soon_tasks = [
        task for task in due_soon_tasks
        if (datetime.strptime(task["due_date"], "%Y-%m-%d") - today) <= timedelta(days=1)
    ]

    if due_soon_tasks:
        print("\n--- Reminders ---")
        for task in due_soon_tasks:
            print(f"Task '{task['name']}' is due on {task['due_date']}!")
    else:
        print("\nNo tasks due soon.")

# Main function to run the application
def main():
    global tasks
    tasks = load_tasks()
    while True:
        show_menu()
        choice = input("\nEnter your choice (1-8): ")

        if choice == "1":
            view_tasks()
        elif choice == "2":
            add_task()
        elif choice == "3":
            mark_completed()
        elif choice == "4":
            delete_task()
        elif choice == "5":
            sort_tasks()
        elif choice == "6":
            search_tasks()
        elif choice == "7":
            send_reminders()
        elif choice == "8":
            print("\nExiting the application. Goodbye!")
            break
        else:
            print("\nInvalid choice. Please try again.")

# Run the application
if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()    

Output :

Python Code

--- To-Do List Menu ---
1. View Tasks
2. Add a Task
3. Mark a Task as Completed
4. Delete a Task
5. Sort Tasks
6. Search Tasks
7. Send Reminders
8. Exit

Adding a Task:

Python Code

Enter the task name: Finish Python Project
Enter the due date (YYYY-MM-DD, optional): 2023-10-15
Enter the priority (High/Medium/Low, optional): High
Task 'Finish Python Project' added successfully!