How to Plan and Execute Open Ended Python Term Projects Successfully

• Use Python and the cmu_graphics framework.
• Follow the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern.
• Create a rich, interactive application—not just a collection of mini-games.
• Avoid disallowed libraries or hardware without explicit permission.
• Plan to invest a minimum of 30 hours progressing steadily.

The freedom to choose your project topic is invaluable—whether you want to build a math application, a game with depth, or a productivity tool like a simplified spreadsheet. Just ensure that your project has:

• Algorithmic complexity showing your problem-solving ability.
• A rich user experience that keeps users engaged.
• A clear, user-friendly interface.

Start thinking about how your interests can translate into a meaningful program that fits these rules.

2. Select a Project You Care About — But Scope It Wisely

The range of possible projects is vast: educational apps, simulations, creative tools, or even mini creative suites. Here are tips for scoping your project wisely:

• Choose something engaging: Your project should excite you enough to devote 30+ hours.
• Don't aim too small or too big: Overly simple mini-games risk losing points for lacking algorithmic depth. Huge projects risk burnout or incompletion.
• Include features that demonstrate algorithmic skills: AI opponents, data analysis, dynamic interfaces, or optimization algorithms are great additions.
• Avoid disallowed content: Unless given permission, refrain from external modules, multithreading, or unsupported graphics libraries.

Draft a brief proposal or concept sketch early. This will help during meetings with your mentor and keep you on track.

3. Plan Your Project Structure and Workflow

Once you have a solid idea, design a structural plan that includes:

• Modules and files: Break your code into logical parts (e.g., model, view, controller files). Plan how they interact.
• Core features: Identify the main functions needed (user input, data processing, display updates).
• Algorithmic challenges: Sketch how you will tackle complex aspects (e.g., pathfinding, scores, data sorting).
• Timeline: Spread your workload. Assign small milestones each week—initial design, MVP (Minimum Viable Project), refinements, and polished final submission.

Use version control systems like Git from the start. This allows you to track progress, revert errors, and share your work if needed.

4. Start Coding with Core MVP Features First

• Implement core functionality that works correctly end-to-end.
• Avoid getting stuck polishing perfect graphics or fancy extras.
• MVP should be bug-free, have a working interface, and clearly demonstrate your primary features.

Remember, MVP is worth most of your grade, so prioritizing it ensures credit. Advanced features and polish come later.

5. Develop an Engaging and Clear User Interface

• Use cmu_graphics effectively: position elements clearly, use readable fonts, and thoughtful colors.
• Build UI elements that communicate function intuitively.
• Design layouts that avoid clutter and prioritize key interactions.
• Add simple instructions or tooltips if your app includes complicated features.

A neat UI signals professionalism and care, contributing indirectly to your grade.

6. Demonstrate Algorithmic Sophistication and Problem-Solving

• Efficient data organization (trees, graphs, sorted lists).
• Implementations of known algorithms (search, sort, game AI).
• Custom problem-solving that shows your coding skills beyond simple scripting.

Avoid trivial conditionals or repetitive code. Use functions, loops, recursion, or object-oriented programming effectively. Document the algorithm choices and their roles in your README or design docs.

7. Follow MVC Strictly for Maintainable Code

• Model: Data structures and logic (your algorithms, data).
• View: Graphical rendering and UI display.
• Controller: Handles user inputs and passes commands to model/view.

This separation is often a course requirement and simplifies testing and debugging. Stick to it for better grades and easier collaboration (e.g., mentor reviews).

8. Leverage Mentorship and Feedback

• Present your current progress and design concepts.
• Get advice on feasibility, complexity, and areas to polish.
• Learn if you’re on track for MVP in forthcoming deadlines.

Be prepared and proactive during meetings—bring questions and demos. Mentors often identify pitfalls early and help improve your approach.

9. Develop a Rigorous Testing Strategy

• Test individual modules and functions as you complete them.
• Build small test cases for tricky logic.
• Verify that features behave correctly in edge cases (empty data, invalid inputs).
• Include quick shortcuts or debug modes to help during tests.

Automate or script repeated tests if possible. A robust project runs reliably, avoiding last-minute failures.

10. Document Thoroughly for Graders and Future You

• A readme file explaining what your project does, how to run it, any required setup, and known bugs or limitations.
• Design docs showing your architecture and algorithm plans.
• Comments in code for clarity on complex parts.
• A demo video capturing key features with narration or annotations.
• Be sure files are organized logically.

Good documentation helps graders understand your work and can improve feedback and grading.

11. Manage Time and Scope for Late-Stage Polish

• Adding extra features, polish, and UI improvements.
• Fixing bugs and tightening performance.
• Preparing your demo video and live presentation for mentors.

Avoid adding ambitious features too late. Better a smaller, stable project than a large, buggy one.

12. Handle External Modules and Tech Demos Carefully

• First pass a tech demo showing you understand and can handle the module.
• Add these only after reaching MVP stage.
• Know that unauthorized external code may be ignored or penalized.

This ensures fairness and that your project’s core shows your own skills.

13. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overly complex or unfocused projects that try to “do it all” but fail to complete core features.
• Poor code organization making debugging and scaling painful.
• Ignoring mentor advice or missing meetings.
• Late starts and rushing near deadline.
• Neglecting backups – save often using Git or cloud storage!
• Lack of testing and unclear readme or demo materials.

14. Preparing for Your Demo and Presentation

• Keep it short (1–3 minutes for video; about 5 minutes live).
• Highlight key features and what makes your project unique.
• Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely.
• Be ready to answer questions on your approach and implementation.

Well-prepared demos increase your confidence and positively influence your mentor’s grading.

15. Final Words: Create, Iterate, and Showcase Your Talents

Your term project is a powerful opportunity to build something meaningful that reflects your interests and skills. Approach it step-by-step—dream, plan, build, test, and improve.

Stay curious, seek help when stuck, and use the tools and mentorship available. By investing effort and thought, you’ll create a polished project that impresses your mentors and expands your programming prowess.

Good luck, and enjoy building your term project!