Python on a Chromebook
Python 3 runs in a Chrome tab, so it works on school Chromebooks with nothing to install and no settings to change.
Check that it works
import sys
print("Python", sys.version.split()[0])
squares = [n * n for n in range(1, 11)]
print("Squares:", squares)
print("Total:", sum(squares))
Open this in the editor and press Run.
Getting started
- Open the editor. Python starts after a few seconds.
- Write code and press Run, or Ctrl+Enter. Your files are saved in the browser as you type.
- Optional: click the install icon at the right of the address bar to add it as an app with its own window.
Why not Linux on the Chromebook?
Chromebooks can run Python through the Linux development environment, but schools usually switch it off, and it needs several gigabytes of space and a terminal.
What works
input(), files, turtle drawings, NumPy, pandas, matplotlib charts and notebooks. Save your work to GitHub, download it as a .py file, or share it with a link.
Teachers can set work through Classrooms and see who has finished.
Questions
Can I run Python on a school Chromebook?
Yes, unless your school has blocked the website. Nothing is installed, so it works where Linux and app installs are switched off.
Does it work offline on a Chromebook?
Yes. Open the site once while online and run some code; after that the editor and Python load from the browser even without internet. Libraries such as pandas need to be loaded once while online.
Where are my files saved?
In the browser on that Chromebook, automatically. To keep them safe or move them to another device, save them to GitHub, download them, or share a link.
Is it free?
Yes, and you do not need an account.
More: the editor · Python turtle · exercises · programs with output