Project 1: Python Fundamentals Mini Lab — 7-Day Plan

Build a menu-driven Python program that uses functions, if-else, loops, and clean input handling.

Outcome: 1 complete .py program Theme: “Work like a developer” Finish Target: Day 7

Final Project (What you will submit)

One menu app (choose one): Calculator / Student Report Card / Unit Converter / Simple ATM / Number Guess
Must include: Menu + 3+ functions + loop + exit option
Include: 5 sample runs (copied output or screenshots)

Technologies

Python 3 (basic console program)
Optional: VS Code / PyCharm (any editor)

Skills Required

Input & output
if / elif / else
while loop
Functions (parameters, return)
Basic validation (try/except)

Importance of These Skills

Functions teach reusable thinking (same as real apps).
Conditions + loops are the heart of logic and automation.
Validation makes your program “real-world safe”.
Menu apps train you to design user flows.

Starter Skeleton (Copy-ready)

def show_menu():
    print("\n=== MINI LAB ===")
    print("1) Option A")
    print("2) Option B")
    print("3) Option C")
    print("0) Exit")

def option_a():
    pass

def option_b():
    pass

def option_c():
    pass

def main():
    while True:
        show_menu()
        choice = input("Choose: ").strip()
        if choice == "1":
            option_a()
        elif choice == "2":
            option_b()
        elif choice == "3":
            option_c()
        elif choice == "0":
            print("Bye!")
            break
        else:
            print("Invalid choice.")
if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

7-Day Tasks + Checks

Tick as you complete. Saved in this browser.

Day	Tasks	Checks (tick all)
Day 1 Idea + Plan	Choose app idea and write menu options (4–6). List inputs/outputs for each option. Decide function names (1 per option).	Idea selected Menu drafted (options + exit) Functions list written
Day 2 Core functions	Write 3 functions (logic only, print result). Keep functions small and test each quickly.	3 functions implemented Each function tested once
Day 3 Menu loop	Build `while True` menu loop. Connect each choice to its function. Add exit option with `break`.	Menu loop runs All options call the right function Exit works correctly
Day 4 Validation	Handle invalid menu choices. Use `try/except` for numeric inputs where needed. Add friendly messages.	Invalid menu choice handled Numeric input safe (try/except)
Day 5 Polish output	Clean prints: headings, spacing, labels. Use meaningful variable names. Add comments at top: name/date/project.	Output looks clean & readable Variables renamed meaningfully Header comment added
Day 6 Testing	Create 5 sample runs (normal + edge + invalid). Fix any bug found.	5 sample runs captured Bugs fixed
Day 7 Submit	Final run + final check. File naming: `project1_yourname.py` Write 3 lines: what you learned, what was hardest, what you’ll improve.	Final run success Correct filename + ready to share Reflection written

Goal: By Day 7, you can confidently say: “I can build a complete Python console app.”