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Getting Started with Python

Your journey to becoming a Python developer starts here

Python is powerful, easy to learn, and runs everywhere. Whether you're interested in web development, data science, automation, or just want to learn programming, Python is an excellent choice.

Step 1: Install Python

Installing Python on Windows

  1. 1

    Download Python

    Visit the downloads page and download the latest Python installer for Windows.

    Make sure to check "Add Python to PATH" during installation!
  2. 2

    Run the installer

    Double-click the downloaded file and follow the installation wizard. Choose "Install Now" for a quick setup with default options.

  3. 3

    Verify installation

    Open Command Prompt and type: 

    python --version

Installing Python on macOS

  1. 1

    Download Python

    Visit the downloads page and download the latest Python installer for macOS.

  2. 2

    Install via Homebrew (Recommended)

    If you have Homebrew installed, you can install Python with: 

    brew install python@3

    Or use the downloaded .pkg file and follow the installer.

  3. 3

    Verify installation

    Open Terminal and type: 

    python3 --version

Installing Python on Linux

  1. 1

    Check if Python is installed

    Most Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. Check with: 

    python3 --version
  2. 2

    Install via package manager

    Ubuntu/Debian: 

    sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

    Fedora: 

    sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip
  3. 3

    Verify installation

    python3 --version
pip3 --version

Step 2: Write Your First Program

Hello, World!

Create a new file called hello.py and add this code: 

print("Hello, World!")
print("Welcome to Python!")

Run it from the command line:

python hello.py

Try the Interactive Shell

Python includes an interactive shell where you can try code immediately. Just type python or python3 in your terminal: 

>>> print("Hello from the Python shell!")
Hello from the Python shell!
>>> 2 + 2
4
>>> name = "Python"
>>> f"I love {name}!"
'I love Python!'

Type exit() or press Ctrl+D to leave the shell.

Step 3: Choose Your IDE

VS Code

Recommended for Beginners

Free, lightweight, and packed with features. Excellent Python extension available.

Download VS Code →

PyCharm

Professional IDE

Full-featured IDE designed specifically for Python. Community Edition is free.

Download PyCharm →

Jupyter Notebook

For Data Science

Interactive notebooks perfect for data science, analysis, and learning.

Get Jupyter →

IDLE

Included with Python

Simple editor that comes with Python. Great for quick scripts and learning.

Sublime Text

Fast & Lightweight

Fast text editor with Python support through packages.

Download Sublime Text →

Spyder

Scientific Python

IDE designed for scientific Python development.

Get Spyder →

Next Steps

Learn the Basics

Work through the official Python tutorial to learn variables, functions, data structures, and more.

Start Tutorial

Explore Packages

Discover thousands of packages on PyPI for web development, data science, automation, and more.

Browse PyPI

Join the Community

Connect with other Python developers through forums, user groups, and events.

Explore Community

Get Help

Access documentation, FAQs, forums, and IRC channels for support when you need it.

Get Help

Ready to Start Coding?

Python is waiting for you. Download it today and start building amazing things.

Download Python Start Tutorial