🎯 Who is this for?
Students
learning Python, algebra, or machine learning
Educators
teaching computational thinking or data science
Beginners
intimidated by Python setup and syntax
Self-learners
who want a smooth transition from blocks → code
If you've ever said "I just want students to focus on learning, not installing Python", PyCanvas is for you.
🚀 Why PyCanvas?
The problem
Learning Python and ML usually requires:
- ✗Installing Python
- ✗Managing virtual environments
- ✗Installing packages
- ✗Understanding syntax before concepts
This friction stops many learners before they even start.
The solution
PyCanvas removes that friction:
- ✓No Python installation required
- ✓Runs locally and offline
- ✓Visual blocks generate real Python code
- ✓Seamless transition to Jupyter notebooks
- ✓Designed for education, not production complexity
Learners can start visually, then gradually take control of real code.
🧠 Learning Flow
Start with Blockly
Learn logic, math, and ML concepts visually
See real Python code
Blocks translate directly into readable Python
Switch to Jupyter notebooks
Experiment, visualize, and extend using standard notebooks
Grow without rewrites
What students learn here transfers directly to real Python workflows
✨ Key Features
Blockly-based visual programming
Native Jupyter Notebook support
Interactive IPython execution
Scientific computing & visualization
Introductory machine learning workflows
Algebra and math exploration
Execute Python code directly from Markdown files
Fully local & offline
Cross-platform desktop app (DMG provided)
📸 Demo
Basic Handwriting Digits Recognizing Model and Train the Model
📦 Installation
macOS
- 1.Download the latest DMG from Releases
- 2.Open the DMG and drag PyCanvas Desktop into Applications
- 3.Launch and start learning — no setup required
Win64
- 1.Download the latest installer from Releases
- 2.Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
- 3.Launch and start learning — no setup required
🧑🏫 For Educators
PyCanvas is designed with classrooms in mind:
- •No environment setup for students
- •Works offline (ideal for labs & restricted networks)
- •Supports gradual transition from blocks to real code
- •Uses industry-standard Jupyter notebooks
Classroom use ideas
- •Intro to Python programming
- •Algebra visualization
- •Machine learning concept demos
- •Scientific computing basics
Lesson plans and sample notebooks are welcome contributions!
🤝 Contributing
We welcome contributions of all kinds:
If you're new to open source, look for issues labeled good first issue.
🗺️ Roadmap
📬 Feedback & Community
This project is early and feedback-driven.
Open an Issue
for bugs or ideas
Start a Discussion
for teaching workflows
Educators
tell us how you'd use this in class
Your feedback directly shapes the roadmap.
📄 License
Open source. See LICENSE for details.
❤️ Philosophy
PyCanvas is built on a simple belief:
"Learning should focus on ideas, not installation or program grammar errors."
If this resonates with you, you're in the right place.