Python Installation and Setup

Before you can start coding in Python, you need to install it on your computer. This guide will walk you through the installation process for different operating systems.

Why Python?

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, known for its:

• Simple and readable syntax
• Versatility across different domains
• Large and active community
• Extensive library ecosystem

Installation Methods

Method 1: Official Python Website (Recommended)

1. Visit python.org
2. Download the latest Python 3.x version
3. Run the installer
4. Important: Check "Add Python to PATH" during installation

Method 2: Package Managers

Windows (using Chocolatey):

choco install python

macOS (using Homebrew):

brew install python

Linux (using apt):

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

Verifying Installation

Open your terminal or command prompt and run:

python --version
# or
python3 --version

You should see something like Python 3.11.0 or similar.

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Option 1: IDLE (Included with Python)

IDLE comes with Python and is perfect for beginners.

Option 2: VS Code

1. Install VS Code
2. Install the Python extension
3. Create a new file with .py extension

Option 3: PyCharm

Download PyCharm Community Edition for a full-featured IDE.

Your First Python Program

Create a file called hello.py and add:

print("Hello, World!")

Run it with:

python hello.py

Congratulations! You've written and run your first Python program.

Next Steps

Now that Python is installed, you're ready to learn about:

• Python syntax basics
• Variables and data types
• Control structures
• Functions

Happy coding!