Setting up Python Environment

Welcome to the next page of “Learn Python in just hours”! In this section, we will guide you through setting up your Python environment so that you can start coding in Python.

Step 1: Download Python

The first step is to download Python. Python is an open-source programming language, and it can be downloaded for free from the official Python website. Follow these steps to download Python:

1. Open your web browser and go to https://www.python.org/.
2. Click on the “Downloads” tab.
3. Choose the appropriate Python version for your operating system. Python is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
4. Click on the download link to start the download.
5. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the installation instructions.
6. During the installation process, make sure to check the option to add Python to your system’s PATH variable. This will allow you to run Python from the command line.
7. After the installation is complete, you can verify if Python is successfully installed by opening the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS and Linux) and typing “python –version”. If Python is installed correctly, you will see the version number.

Step 2: Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that provides programming tools for developers. While Python can be written in any text editor, using an IDE can greatly enhance your coding experience. There are several popular Python IDEs available, including:

• PyCharm
• Eclipse with PyDev
• Visual Studio Code

Choose an IDE that suits your preferences and install it on your computer. The installation process for each IDE may vary, so refer to the documentation provided by the respective software vendors.

Step 3: Text Editor

If you prefer to use a lightweight text editor instead of a full-fledged IDE, there are many options available. Here are a few popular choices:

• Notepad++: Notepad++ is a free source code editor for Windows.
• Sublime Text: Sublime Text is a cross-platform text editor that offers extensive customization options.
• Atom: Atom is a hackable text editor developed by GitHub.

Choose the text editor that best suits your needs and install it on your computer. With a text editor, you can create and edit Python files without the additional features provided by an IDE.

Step 4: Testing Your Environment

Once you have installed Python and chosen an IDE or text editor, it’s time to test your environment. Follow these steps to verify that everything is set up correctly:

1. Open your IDE or text editor.
2. Create a new Python file with the extension “.py”.
3. Type the following code into the file:

print("Hello, Python!")

4. Save the file.
5. Run the code by executing the file either from the IDE or by opening the command prompt/terminal, navigating to the file’s location, and typing “python filename.py”.
6. If everything is set up correctly, you should see “Hello, Python!” printed in the output.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your Python environment and tested it with a simple program. Now you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of Python programming!

That concludes this section on setting up your Python environment. Make sure to save your progress and continue to the next chapter, where we will introduce you to the basic syntax of Python.