How do you get the turtle's current heading?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language, known for its easy-to-read syntax and versatility. It is widely used for a myriad of applications, from web development to data science, and it's particularly beloved by beginners and experienced coders alike for its simplicity and power. This language is an excellent choice for drawing graphics or creating simple games, due to its clear syntax and rich set of libraries.

One of the most appealing aspects of Python programming is its extensive standard library that includes pre-written codes for common tasks, such as file operations, mathematical functions, and even graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Among its graphical capabilities, the 'turtle module' is a popular library which allows users to create pictures and shapes by providing them with a virtual canvas and a 'turtle' that can be moved around the screen to draw. For students learning Python, practicing with the turtle module offers a high level of engagement and enhances understanding of basic programming concepts like loops, functions, and object-oriented programming (OOP).

In Python, 'turtle graphics' refer to a unique drawing board concept that allows programmers to create visual designs and patterns. The module is named after the Turtle robot, which was part of the Logo programming language in the 1960s intended for educational purposes. By imagining a robotic turtle carrying a pen on a virtual canvas, the programmer can control its movement across the screen, drawing lines and shapes.

The turtle serves as both the pen and the cursor, which is controlled through specific functions to move forwards or backwards, rotate, lift or drop the pen, and change drawing attributes like color and thickness. These commands are intuitive, making the turtle module an excellent resource for hands-on learning and for understanding the basics of programming geometry. For example, issuing a command like `my_turtle.forward(100)` moves the turtle 100 units forward in the direction it is currently facing, drawing a line of that length.

The 'heading' function is an essential part of the turtle module in Python. This function allows the programmer to determine the current direction the turtle is facing. In turtle graphics, headings are based on degrees, with 0 degrees or 'east' being the default heading when a new turtle object is created.

Heading values increase in the clockwise direction, so a heading of 90 degrees points 'south', 180 degrees is 'west', and 270 degrees is 'north'. By using the `heading()` function, as shown in the step-by-step solution provided, you can retrieve the current orientation of the turtle. This is particularly useful when creating complex shapes or when you need the turtle to face a certain direction before moving it. The `heading()` function thus allows for dynamic and precise control over the turtle's movements on the canvas, making it possible for students to create intricate designs and understand the principle of angles and rotation within the coordinate system of Python's turtle graphics.