Using the Editor

A guide for students on how to use the code editor.

Interface Overview

The editor has two main areas:

• Code Tab — Where you write your Python code
• Output Tab — Where you see results when you run your code

Writing Code

The Editor

The code editor provides:

• Syntax highlighting — Python keywords, strings, and comments are color-coded
• Line numbers — Helpful for finding errors
• Auto-indent — Press Enter and the cursor indents automatically
• Tab support — Press Tab for 4 spaces of indentation

Starter Code

Some assignments come with starter code already filled in. This might include:

• Function definitions you need to complete
• Comments explaining what to do
• Test code to check your work

TIP

Don't delete the starter code! Complete the # TODO sections.

Running Your Code

Click "Run Code"

1. Write your Python code in the editor
2. Click the Run Code button (blue)
3. The Output tab opens automatically
4. See your program's output

Using input()

If your code uses input():

1. A text field appears in the output area
2. Type your response
3. Press Enter to continue

Example:

name = input("What is your name? ")
print(f"Hello, {name}!")

When you run this:

1. You'll see "What is your name?" in the output
2. Type your name in the input field
3. Press Enter
4. See "Hello, [your name]!"

Understanding Errors

Syntax Errors

If your code has a syntax error (like a missing parenthesis), you'll see:

SyntaxError: unexpected EOF while parsing

Fix: Check for missing parentheses, quotes, or colons.

Runtime Errors

If your code runs but crashes, you'll see the error type and line number:

NameError: name 'pritn' is not defined

Fix: Check for typos in variable or function names.

Common Errors

Error	Cause	Fix
SyntaxError	Missing :, ), or "	Check your punctuation
NameError	Typo in variable name	Check spelling
TypeError	Wrong type (e.g., "5" + 5)	Convert types properly
IndentationError	Wrong indentation	Use consistent spaces

Submitting Your Code

Before Submitting

1. Test your code — Click "Run Code" first
2. Check for errors — Fix any red error messages
3. Verify output — Make sure it matches what's expected

Click "Submit Code"

1. Click the Submit Code button (green)
2. Wait for "Submitting..." to complete
3. See "Submitted successfully" with a link

View Your Results

Click "View on Gradescope" to see:

• Your submission
• Autograder results
• Your score

Tips for Success

Test Before Submitting

Always run your code locally first. It's faster than waiting for Gradescope.

Read Error Messages

Error messages tell you:

• What went wrong
• Which line has the problem

Start Simple

If your code isn't working:

1. Comment out most of your code
2. Test one small piece
3. Add more code gradually

Use Print Statements

Add print() statements to see what your variables contain:

x = calculate_something()
print(f"x = {x}")  # Debug: see what x is

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Tab	Insert 4 spaces
Shift+Tab	Remove indentation
Ctrl/Cmd+Z	Undo
Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+Z	Redo
Ctrl/Cmd+/	Comment/uncomment line

Getting Help

Click the ? button in the bottom bar to see the help modal with quick tips.