Help & FAQ

Find the help you need to get started and succeed with Python

Whether you're just starting out or need advanced help, the Python community has resources and people ready to assist. Browse our FAQs, documentation, and community channels below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started with Python?

Start by downloading Python from our downloads page. Then, check out the official tutorial to learn the basics. We also recommend the Getting Started guide for step-by-step instructions.

What version of Python should I use?

We recommend using the latest stable version of Python 3. As of this writing, Python 3.12 is the latest release. Python 2 reached end-of-life on January 1, 2020, and is no longer supported.

Where can I find Python documentation?

The official Python documentation is available at docs.python.org. It includes the tutorial, library reference, language reference, and more. You can also access documentation for older versions and download PDFs.

How do I install third-party packages?

Python includes pip, the package installer. You can install packages from the Python Package Index (PyPI) using pip install package-name. Learn more at pypi.org.

What IDE or editor should I use?

Python works with many editors and IDEs. Popular choices include VS Code, PyCharm, Jupyter Notebooks, Sublime Text, and IDLE (included with Python). Choose based on your needs and preferences. Check our Getting Started guide for recommendations.

How can I contribute to Python?

There are many ways to contribute: report bugs, submit patches, improve documentation, help others in the community, or create and maintain packages. Visit the Python Developer's Guide to learn more about contributing to Python core.

Get Help & Support

Documentation

Comprehensive guides, tutorials, and references for all Python versions. Start with the tutorial and explore the standard library.

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Discussion Forums

Ask questions and get help from experienced Python developers on Discourse, the official Python community forum.

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IRC Chat

Real-time chat with Python developers on Libera.Chat. Join #python for general help or specialized channels for specific topics.

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Mailing Lists

Subscribe to mailing lists for announcements, development discussions, and specialized topics. Great for staying informed.

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GitHub Issues

Report bugs, suggest features, or track Python's development on GitHub. Search existing issues before creating new ones.

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Learning Resources

Free tutorials, books, videos, and courses for learning Python. From beginner to advanced, find resources that match your learning style.

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Getting Started Resources

Installation Guide

Download Python and set up your development environment. Follow our step-by-step guide for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Download Python

First Steps Tutorial

Learn Python basics with the official tutorial. Start with "Hello, World!" and progress to data structures, functions, and modules.

Start Tutorial

Join the Community

Connect with other Python developers through user groups, forums, and events. Learning is better together.

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Still Need Help?

Our community is here to support you on your Python journey.

Ask a Question Getting Started Guide