Welcome to the help center! Here you'll find everything you need to master your online Python Playground.
Python Playground is a web-based Python development environment that runs Python locally in your browser using WebAssembly technology. It provides a complete Python IDE with file management, code editing, package installation, and execution capabilities. The core workflow is free and local-first, while Pro adds optional Playground Manager, cloud sync, and remote copies for work you want available across devices.
Python Playground is a complete Python development environment with local browser execution at its core. It is available as a standalone website and as a Chrome extension. Here's how it works:
Web App & Extension: Use Python Playground directly at python-playground.com or install the Chrome extension for quick access from any browser tab - no desktop software required.
Local Execution: Python code runs directly in your browser using Pyodide, a WebAssembly (WASM) port of the CPython interpreter. The free core workflow is local-first; Pro cloud sync is optional and used only for playgrounds you choose to sync.
Full Python Environment: Python Playground includes the complete Python standard library plus support for popular packages like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Requests, and many more.
Built-in Debugger: Set breakpoints, step through your code line by line, and inspect variables in real time - all without leaving the browser.
Privacy-First: Your code runs locally by default. If you use Pro cloud sync, selected files, package settings, metadata, and uploads are stored in cloud infrastructure so your work can be available across signed-in devices.
Python Playground creates a sandboxed Python environment where you can experiment, learn, prototype, and develop Python applications with the convenience of a modern web-based IDE.
Set a breakpoint in the editor gutter, then start a debug session with the Debug button (bug icon) or Alt+F5.
When execution pauses, use Continue, Step Over, Step Into, and Step Out controls to move through code. Open the Variables tab to inspect current values and expand complex objects.
Python Playground automatically saves your code in your browser's local storage as you type, so you won't lose your work if you accidentally close the extension.
Note: Local storage is browser-specific, so code saved in Chrome won't be accessible in Firefox, and clearing browser data will remove your saved code. Pro cloud sync can keep remote copies of selected playgrounds and make them available on your other signed-in devices.
Yes! Python Playground supports a wide range of popular Python libraries. You can import them directly or use the package manager:
import numpy as np
import pandas as pd
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import requests
from datetime import datetime
Libraries are automatically installed when you first import them, or you can use the package manager button to install specific packages from PyPI. For a complete list of built-in packages, visit the Pyodide packages documentation.
Python execution happens locally in your browser by default, which keeps the free core workflow private to your device. When you enable Pro cloud sync, selected playground files, package settings, metadata, and uploads are sent to cloud infrastructure for sync and remote storage.
Once you've loaded the extension, basic local functionality will work offline. Installing new packages, signing in, upgrading to Pro, and syncing cloud playgrounds require an internet connection.
Unlike many online IDEs, Python Playground runs Python locally in your browser by default. It combines file handling, package management, data visualization support, and a built-in debugger, while Pro adds optional Playground Manager, cloud sync, and remote copies for cross-device work.
Python Playground includes a built-in debugger that lets you pause execution, step through code, and inspect variables.
Click on a line number in the editor gutter to toggle a breakpoint. A marker will appear indicating where execution will pause.
Use Alt+F9 to toggle a breakpoint on the current line. Breakpoints are saved automatically and persist across sessions.
Click the Debug button (bug icon) or press Alt+F5 to start a debug session. The debugger will prepare the environment and run your code, pausing at the first breakpoint it hits.
Use the debug controls to navigate your code:
Continue Alt+F5 - run until the next breakpoint
Step Over Alt+F10 - execute the current line and move to the next
Step Into Alt+F11 - enter a function call
Step Out Alt+Shift+F11 - finish the current function and return to the caller
Stop Alt+Shift+F5 - end the debug session
Restart Alt+Shift+F6 - restart from the beginning
When paused, the Variables tab shows all local variables of the current scope with their types and values.
Variables that changed since the last pause are highlighted. You can expand complex objects like lists, dictionaries, and class instances to explore their contents.
If your code imports functions from other files in your project, the debugger can step into them automatically. The editor will switch to the relevant file and highlight the current line of execution, then return when the function completes.
Common issues and known limitations of Python Playground.
The debugger requires SharedArrayBuffer, a browser feature available in all modern browsers: Chrome 92+, Firefox 79+, Edge 92+, and Safari 15.2+. If the Debug button is not visible, try updating your browser to the latest version.
The input() function relies on SharedArrayBuffer to block execution while waiting for the user to type - the same browser requirement as the debugger. If input() doesn't work, try updating your browser to the latest version.
All Python files are stored in your browser's IndexedDB. Clearing site data, cached files, or browser history will permanently delete them. To protect your work, download important files using the download button in the file panel before clearing browser data.
After checkout, Python Playground refreshes your account entitlement automatically. If Pro is not active immediately, wait a few seconds, then reload the page and sign in with the same email or Google account used for checkout.
If Pro still does not activate, contact us through the Playground Manager support form or email support@python-playground.com. Include the email address used at checkout.
Playground Manager and cloud writes require an active Pro entitlement and a signed-in account. Sign in first, then open Playground Manager again. If your Pro access expired, was canceled, or was refunded, cloud sync may remain paused until Pro is renewed.
Pro includes 1 GB of cloud upload storage. Individual upload sync may fail if a file is too large or if your account has reached the cloud upload quota. Remove unused uploaded files from synced playgrounds, then try syncing again.
Python Playground uses Pyodide, which supports pure Python packages from PyPI and a curated set of compiled packages (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, SciPy, etc.). Packages that require native system libraries, OS-level syscalls, or network sockets may not work in a WebAssembly environment. See the full list of supported packages in the Pyodide packages documentation.
The debugger only traces code in your own project files. When you step into a call that comes from the Python standard library (e.g. sorted(), json.loads()) or an installed package, the debugger skips over it and stops at the next line in your own code. This is intentional - it keeps debug sessions fast and focused on your logic rather than implementation details of external libraries.
The editor is locked while a debug session is active. This prevents a mismatch between the code that is currently executing and the source shown on screen. To edit your code, stop the debug session first using the Stop button or Alt+Shift+F5.
First time using Python Playground? Follow these simple steps to get started.
Visit the Chrome Web Store and click "Add to Chrome" to install the Python Playground extension. The core extension is free and works with Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers.
Click the puzzle piece icon in your browser toolbar, then click the pin icon next to Python Playground to keep it easily accessible.
Click the Python Playground icon in your browser toolbar to open the IDE. The extension will initialize the Python environment automatically.
Use the code editor to write your Python code. The editor supports syntax highlighting, auto-indentation, and bracket matching.
Click the "Run" button or use Ctrl+Enter to execute your Python code. The output will appear in the console panel below the editor.
Have questions, feedback, or need assistance? Reach out to us using any of the following methods: