Invent with PyScript — Nicholas Tollervey, Joshua Lowe

PyScript has evolved from a 500kb JavaScript library to a sophisticated 40kb framework with MicroPython integration, enabling Python code execution in browsers

Invent is a new drag-and-drop framework built on PyScript that lets beginners create web applications without coding experience, similar to Visual Basic’s approach from the 1990s

Key improvements in PyScript include web worker support for background tasks, multiple runtime options (including R, Ruby, Lua), and mobile device compatibility

The framework focuses on the “99%” - non-professional developers who need simple tools to create functional applications without deep technical knowledge

Core concepts are designed to be easily teachable and learnable, with visual components that can be assembled like building blocks

Applications built with Invent/PyScript are shareable via URLs and require no server infrastructure or deployment costs

PyScript now supports different Python runtimes, including PyDite (CPython) and MicroPython, with the latter being only ~160kb in size

The platform includes a built-in data store with pub/sub messaging system for state management and component communication

Teachers have reported positive feedback on using visual block-based approaches before transitioning to text-based Python coding

The PyScript community has grown significantly, with regular community calls, documentation at docs.pyscript.net, and a Discord server for support