How to Make a Hangman Game in Python

Introduction

Building simple games is a great way to practice Python programming. The classic Hangman game is perfect for beginners looking to learn how to use loops, conditionals, and strings. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a functional Hangman game step by step using Python. Whether you’re a student, a coding enthusiast, or a young learner at ItsMyBot, this project will help you develop essential programming skills in a fun way.

What is the Hangman Game?

Hangman is a word-guessing game where players try to guess the letters of a hidden word within a limited number of attempts. For each incorrect guess, part of a stick figure is drawn. The game ends when the player either guesses the word correctly or runs out of attempts.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

To begin building the Hangman game, you will need:

• Python Installed: Download and install Python 3.x from Python.org.
• Editor/IDE: Use tools like VSCode, PyCharm, or a basic text editor.
• Basic Python Knowledge: Understanding loops, conditionals, functions, and lists will be helpful.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Hangman Game in Python

Step 1: Setting Up Your Development Environment

• Install Python 3.x on your computer.
• Set up a new Python file in your preferred text editor or IDE.
• Run a simple program to confirm the environment is working:

print("Hello, Python Hangman!")

Step 2: Creating a Flowchart for the Game Logic

• Sketch out the game logic to visualize the flow of your code:
  • Initialize variables and the word bank.
  • Display blanks for the hidden word.
  • Allow the player to guess letters.
  • Check if the letter is correct or incorrect.
  • Update the game state (correct letters, remaining attempts).
  • End the game with win or lose conditions.

Step 3: ASCII Art for Different Stages of the Hangman

• Use ASCII art to visually represent the hangman’s progress after each wrong guess.

Step 4: Creating a Word Bank

• Create a list of words for the game and randomly choose one:

import random
word_list = ["python", "programming", "hangman", "developer", "coding"]
chosen_word = random.choice(word_list)

Step 5: Writing the Core Game Logic

• Initialize the game variables, such as attempts, word display, and guessed letters:

attempts = 6
word_display = ["_" for _ in chosen_word]
guessed_letters = []

Step 6: Main Game Loop

• Create a loop to manage the game’s flow:

while attempts > 0 and "_" in word_display:
    print(" ".join(word_display))
    print(hangman_stages[6 - attempts])
    guess = input("Guess a letter: ").lower()

Step 7: Player Input

• Prompt the player to guess a letter and ensure it’s valid:

guess = input("Enter a letter: ").lower()
if not guess.isalpha() or len(guess) != 1:
    print("Please enter a single letter.")
    continue

Step 8: Checking If the Letter Was Already Guessed

• Prevent repeated guesses:

if guess in guessed_letters:
    print("You already guessed that letter!")
else:
    guessed_letters.append(guess)

Step 9: Processing a Correct Guess

• Reveal the letter if it is correct:

if guess in chosen_word:
    for i in range(len(chosen_word)):
        if chosen_word[i] == guess:
            word_display[i] = guess

Step 10: Processing an Incorrect Guess

• Reduce the number of attempts for wrong guesses:

else:
    attempts -= 1
    print("Incorrect guess!")

Step 11: Updating and Displaying the Word

• Show the updated word display after each guess:

print(" ".join(word_display))

Step 12: Checking for a Win

• Determine if the player has won or lost:

if "_" not in word_display:
    print("Congratulations! You guessed the word.")
else:
    print(f"Game Over! The word was '{chosen_word}'.")

Complete Hangman Code

import random

word_list = ["python", "programming", "hangman", "developer", "coding"]
chosen_word = random.choice(word_list)
word_display = ["_" for _ in chosen_word]
guessed_letters = []
attempts = 6

hangman_stages = ["ASCII ART"]  # Add stages here

while attempts > 0 and "_" in word_display:
    print(" ".join(word_display))
    print(hangman_stages[6 - attempts])
    guess = input("Guess a letter: ").lower()
    
    if guess in guessed_letters:
        print("You already guessed that letter!")
    else:
        guessed_letters.append(guess)
        if guess in chosen_word:
            for i in range(len(chosen_word)):
                if chosen_word[i] == guess:
                    word_display[i] = guess
        else:
            attempts -= 1
            print("Incorrect guess!")

if "_" not in word_display:
    print("You win!")
else:
    print(f"Game Over! The word was '{chosen_word}'.")

Tips to Improve the Hangman Game

• Add hints for difficult words.
• Track the player’s score.
• Include difficulty levels with longer or shorter words.

Why Learn Python with ItsMyBot?

At ItsMyBot, coding is made simple and engaging. Building games like Hangman helps students strengthen problem-solving, logic, and programming skills in a fun way.

Explore more coding projects and start your programming journey at ItsMyBot.

Conclusion

Creating a Hangman game in Python teaches you essential programming concepts while building something interactive and fun. Follow these steps, experiment with improvements, and enjoy learning Python with ItsMyBot!