How to Write a Coin Flipping Program on Python

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Are you and your brother debating on who should wash the laundry today? Flip a coin. You don't have a coin? Make one then! This Wikihow article will teach you how to write a program in Python that will flip a digital, imaginary coin and gives you a taste of what's it like to code. All you will need is a computer running Windows.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Downloading Python

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/PythonStep1.png\/460px-PythonStep1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/PythonStep1.png\/728px-PythonStep1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":212,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":335,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Go to the Python website and download python. Here is a shortcut to the website https://www.python.org/downloads/ . Press the "Download Python 3.9.1" Option
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/PythonStep2.png\/460px-PythonStep2.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/PythonStep2.png\/728px-PythonStep2.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":288,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":456,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Save the file to your desktop.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Open it.
  4. 4
    Install the Python Program. Once the programme has finished installing, Python should be ready to use on your computer.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Writing the Coin Tossing Program

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/PythonStep3.png\/460px-PythonStep3.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/PythonStep3.png\/728px-PythonStep3.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Go to the start menu and type in "IDLE Python". Open that file. This will open up IDLE Python.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/PythonStep4.png\/460px-PythonStep4.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/PythonStep4.png\/728px-PythonStep4.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":278,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":440,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Press "CTRL" + "N" or navigate to 'File' then 'New Window' to access Python Scripting Mode. This is what is used to write the program
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/PythonStep5.png\/460px-PythonStep5.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/PythonStep5.png\/728px-PythonStep5.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":99,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":157,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    Type in "import random" on the first line hit then enter. This will import the random module which gives access to one of the "random" modules we will use.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/PythonStep6.png\/460px-PythonStep6.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/PythonStep6.png\/728px-PythonStep6.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":168,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":266,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    4
    Type in "print ( "Welcome to the Coin Flipping Program")". This will welcome the user to the program.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/PythonStep7.png\/460px-PythonStep7.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/PythonStep7.png\/728px-PythonStep7.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":145,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":230,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    5
    Type this line " choice=input("Enter your side (heads or tails): ") " and press enter. This tells the user to type in either heads or tails. . This will make whatever the user types will turn into the "choice" variable.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/PythonStep8.png\/460px-PythonStep8.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/PythonStep8.png\/728px-PythonStep8.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":155,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":246,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    6
    Type in " num=random.randint(1,2) " and press enter. This will randomly import a 2 number, One and Two. Python will randomly choose 'num' to become either one or two.
  7. 7
    Create an if statement. You will need to make a 'result' variable. If the randomly generated number is one, then the result will be "heads. But if the random number is 2, then the result will be "tails".
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/PythonStep9.png\/460px-PythonStep9.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/PythonStep9.png\/728px-PythonStep9.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":208,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":329,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    8
    Type in " if num==1: ", then press enter (Python will automatically make an indentation); after the indentation type in " result="heads" ". You will need to pay close attention and type very carefully. This step is if the 'num' variable is 1.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/PythonStep10.png\/460px-PythonStep10.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/PythonStep10.png\/728px-PythonStep10.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":200,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":316,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    9
    Type in " elif num==2: ", one a new line, then press enter (Python will automatically make an indentation); after the indentation type in "result="tails" ". This new if-statement is for if the 'num' variable is 2. Again, you will need to pay close attention and type carefully.
  10. 10
    Make a line that compares the user's input and the 'result' variable. To do this, you will use another if-statement.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/PythonStep11.png\/460px-PythonStep11.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/PythonStep11.png\/728px-PythonStep11.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":245,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":387,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    11
    Start on the next line and type in " if choice==result: " and then enter (Python will make an indentation); on the new line type in " print("Good Job You won The coin flipped ",result) ". If the user's input is the same as the result, it will print "Good Job You won; The coin flipped, x" (x being either heads or tails).
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/PythonStep12.png\/460px-PythonStep12.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/PythonStep12.png\/728px-PythonStep12.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":275,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":435,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    12
    Start on the next line and type in " else: " and then hit enter (Python will make an indentation); on the new line is, type in " print("Aw... You lost. The coin flipped ", result) ". If the user's input is not the same as the result, it will print "Aw... You lost. The coin flipped ", x" (x being either heads or tails).
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/PythonStep13.png\/460px-PythonStep13.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/PythonStep13.png\/728px-PythonStep13.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":316,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":500,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    13
    Type in " print("Thanks for playing. Goodbye") ". This will let the user know the program is over.
    14. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Using the Program

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/PythonStep14.png\/460px-PythonStep14.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/PythonStep14.png\/728px-PythonStep14.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":279,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":442,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Run the program. To do this, you need to save the file by Pressing CTRL+ "S". A file-saver pop-up will show. Save the file on your desktop with any name.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/PythonStep15.png\/460px-PythonStep15.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/PythonStep15.png\/728px-PythonStep15.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":309,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":489,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Press "F5" on the top row of your keyboard or navigate to 'Run' and press 'Run Module'. This will run your program.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/PythonStep16.png\/460px-PythonStep16.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/PythonStep16.png\/728px-PythonStep16.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":218,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":345,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    Type in either "heads" or "tails" (depending on your choice) and press Enter.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/PythonStep17.png\/460px-PythonStep17.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/PythonStep17.png\/728px-PythonStep17.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":219,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":347,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    4
    View the output. The program will show if you won or not. It will also tell you which side of the imaginary coin it landed on.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    IDLE says 'invalid syntax' because of the 'elif'. What should I do?
    JazzTGB145
    Community Answer
    You can use 'else:' Statement Instead of using the 'elif:' Statement. Note: Don't use any conditions like 'else num == result:' Just use 'else:'
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 3
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      1. Pay very close attention to symbols such as commas, parentheses, colons, and apostrophes.
      2. Pay very close attention to when you should start a new line and when you should make an indentation.
      3. When running your code, if you come across a syntax error, it might be because you misspelled something.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      1. A computer running Windows.

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use Windows Command Prompt to Run a Python File
      How to
      Upgrade Pip: Quick Guide for Beginners & Experts
      How to
      Open a Python File
      How to
      Uninstall a Python Package With Pip: Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Comment Out Multiple Lines in Python: Formatting & Shortcuts
      3 Easy Ways to Download & Install Pip on Your Mac
      How to
      See the Python Version on Mac, Windows, and Linux
      How to
      Start Programming in Python
      How to
      Change the Font Size in Python Shell
      How to
      Uninstall Python
      How to
      Code a Python Countdown Timer: Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Program a Game in Python with Pygame
      How to
      Create Loops in Python
      How to
      Write a Python Program to Calculate Pi
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 25,574 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement