Certainly! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you get started with Python as a beginner, covering everything from installation to writing and running your first Python code.
Step 1: Understand What Python Is
Before you begin, it’s good to know that Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its readability and versatility. It’s widely used in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, automation, and much more.
Step 2: Check if Python is Already Installed
Windows
- Open Command Prompt: Press
Windows Key + R
, typecmd
, and press Enter. -
Type:
python –version
or
py –version
- If Python is installed, it will show you the version number. If not, you will get an error.
macOS/Linux
- Open Terminal.
-
Type:
python3 –version
- If installed, it will display the version number.
Step 3: Installing Python
For Windows
- Go to the official Python website: https://www.python.org/downloads/
- Click the latest stable version under "Download the latest version for Windows."
- Once downloaded, run the installer.
- Important: Check the box that says "Add Python 3.x to PATH" at the bottom of the installer.
- Choose "Install Now" or customize the installation if you prefer.
- After the installation, open Command Prompt and type
python --version
to verify.
For macOS
- Python 2.x usually comes pre-installed, but you’ll want Python 3.x.
-
Install Homebrew (if you don’t have it) by running in Terminal:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
-
Install Python 3 by running:
brew install python
-
Verify installation:
python3 –version
For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
- Open Terminal.
-
Update package list:
sudo apt update
-
Install Python 3:
sudo apt install python3
-
Verify installation:
python3 –version
Step 4: Install a Code Editor or IDE
Writing Python code can be done in any text editor, but using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can make your experience easier.
Popular Options:
- VS Code: Lightweight and powerful. Download from https://code.visualstudio.com/
- PyCharm: Full-featured IDE. Download from https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/
- IDLE: Comes pre-installed with Python (basic editor).
Step 5: Write Your First Python Script
- Create a new file with the
.py
extension, for example,hello.py
. - Open it in your code editor.
-
Type the following code:
python
print("Hello, world!") - Save the file.
Step 6: Run Your Python Script
Using Command Line/Terminal:
-
Navigate to the directory where your script is saved. For example:
cd path_to_your_script_folder
-
Run the script with:
-
Windows:
python hello.py
or if you installed Python as
python3
python3 hello.py
-
macOS/Linux:
python3 hello.py
-
-
You should see the output:
Hello, world!
Running Inside an IDE:
- Most IDEs have a “Run” button or menu option. Just click it to execute your code.
Step 7: Learn Python Basics
Now that you have Python installed and know how to run a script, start learning basic Python concepts:
Topics to cover:
- Variables and data types (strings, integers, floats, booleans)
- Operators and expressions
- Conditional statements (
if
,else
,elif
) - Loops (
for
,while
) - Functions (
def
) - Lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets
- Input/output (using
input()
function) - Basic error handling (
try
,except
)
Resources:
- Official Python Tutorial
- W3Schools Python Tutorial
- Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
- Online coding platforms: Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, LeetCode
Step 8: Practice Regularly
Try writing small programs such as:
- A calculator
- A guessing game
- Handling simple file operations
- Working with lists
Practicing regularly helps reinforce programming concepts.
Step 9: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: python
command not recognized
- Make sure you tick "Add Python to PATH" during installation.
-
Alternatively, try running:
py hello.py
- On macOS/Linux, you might need to use
python3
instead ofpython
.
Issue: Multiple Python versions conflicting
-
Check installed versions:
python –version
python3 –version
py –version - Use the specific version command (
python3
orpy
) when running scripts.
Issue: Scripts not running in terminal/IDE
- Confirm you are in the correct directory.
- Make sure your Python script has
.py
extension. - Check for typos in code.
Step 10: Explore Python Libraries and Packages
Once comfortable with basics, learn to install and use packages using pip
:
-
Install a package (e.g., requests):
pip install requests
- Use it in your code:
python
import requests
response = requests.get(‘https://api.github.com‘)
print(response.status_code)
- Install Python on your computer.
- Set up a code editor or IDE.
- Write and run your first Python script.
- Learn basic Python programming concepts.
- Practice coding regularly.
- Troubleshoot any issues using the tips above.
- Explore Python libraries to extend your programs.
If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll be able to get started with Python smoothly and build a good foundation for further Python learning! Would you like me to provide sample beginner exercises next?