Python Basics Mini Project: Build a Simple Expense Tracker
Test your Python skills with this mini project! Learn to build a simple expense tracker using variables, loops, string formatting, and file handling. Perfect for beginners.
Mini Project: Build a Simple Expense Tracker
Objective:
Create a Python program that allows users to track their daily expenses. This project will test your understanding of Python basics, including variables, print statements, string formatting, and file handling.
Project Requirements:
Input Expenses:
Prompt the user to enter the name of an expense (e.g., “Groceries”) and its cost.
Allow the user to enter multiple expenses.
Display Expenses:
Print a neatly formatted list of all expenses using the print function.
Use \t (tab character) to align the expense names and their costs.
Calculate Total:
Calculate and display the total cost of all expenses.
Save to File:
Save the list of expenses and the total cost to a text file named expenses.txt.
Error Handling:
Handle invalid inputs (e.g., non-numeric values for costs) gracefully.
Example Output:
Welcome to the Expense Tracker!
Enter the name of the expense (or type 'done' to finish): Groceries Enter the cost of Groceries: 50
Enter the name of the expense (or type 'done' to finish): Rent Enter the cost of Rent: 500
Enter the name of the expense (or type 'done' to finish): Utilities Enter the cost of Utilities: 100
Enter the name of the expense (or type 'done' to finish): done
Here is your expense summary: Expense Name Cost
Groceries $50 Rent $500 Utilities $100
Total: $650
Your expenses have been saved to 'expenses.txt'.
Steps to Complete the Project:
Plan the Program:
Identify the variables needed (e.g., expenses, total_cost).
Decide on the structure of the program (e.g., input loop, calculations, output).
Write the Code:
Use a loop to collect expense data from the user.
Store the expenses in a list or dictionary.
Use string formatting to display the expenses neatly.
Write the data to a file using the with open() statement.
Test the Program:
Test with different inputs, including invalid ones (e.g., entering text instead of numbers for costs).
Verify that the output is correct and the file is saved properly.
Coding Challenge:
Add a feature to categorize expenses (e.g., “Food”, “Rent”, “Utilities”).
Allow the user to view expenses from a previous session by reading from the expenses.txt file.
Add a date and time stamp to each expense entry using the datetime module.
Learning Outcomes:
Practice using variables, loops, and conditionals.
Learn how to format output using print and escape characters.