🛠️ Setup Python

Getting Python installed on your computer is easier than you might think! Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or Linux, you'll have Python up and running in just a few minutes.

A proper setup means you can write and run Python programs without any headaches. Let's get started!

🔍 Check if Python is Already Installed

First, let's see if Python is already on your computer. Open your terminal or command prompt and try these commands:

🪟 Installing Python on Windows

Step 1: Download Python

1. Go to python.org
2. Click "Download Python" (gets the latest version)
3. Save the installer file

Step 2: Run the Installer

⚠️ CRITICAL: Check the box "Add Python to PATH" before clicking Install!

This is the most important step - it lets you run Python from anywhere on your computer.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt and type:

python --version
pip --version

Both commands should show version numbers.

Installing Python on macOS

Option 1: Official Installer (Recommended for Beginners)

1. Go to python.org
2. Download the macOS installer
3. Run the installer (follow default settings)

Option 2: Using Homebrew

If you have Homebrew installed:\

brew install python3

📝 Important macOS Notes

• Use python3 command (not python)
• Use pip3 command (not pip)
• Your system Python stays safe alongside the new Python

✅ Verify Installation

Open Terminal and type:

python3 --version
pip3 --version

🐧 Installing Python on Linux

Most Linux systems have Python 3, but let's make sure you have the latest version and pip.

Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

CentOS/RHEL:

sudo yum install python3 python3-pip

Fedora:

sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip

✅ Verify Installation

python3 --version
pip3 --version

📦 Understanding pip (Package Installer)

pip stands for "Pip Installs Packages" - it's Python's package installer that comes with Python.

🛠️ Essential pip Commands:

pip install package_name    # Install a package
pip list                   # Show installed packages  
pip --version              # Check pip version

📝 Setting Up a Code Editor

You can write Python in any text editor, but a good code editor makes everything easier!

🌟 Recommended: Visual Studio Code

Why VS Code is perfect for beginners:

• Free and easy to use
• Great Python support
• Built-in terminal
• Helpful error highlighting

Download: code.visualstudio.com

🔧 Other Good Options:

• PyCharm Community: Free, Python-focused
• IDLE: Comes with Python (simple but limited)

📁 Creating Your First Python Project

Let's set up a proper workspace for your Python learning:

📂 1. Create a Project Folder

Create a folder in your Documents directory called python-projects:

Windows: Documents\python-projects
macOS/Linux: Documents/python-projects

📄 2. Create Your First Python File

Inside your project folder, create a file called hello.py

Important: Python files must end with .py!

# Save this as hello.py in your python-projects folder:
print("=== MY FIRST PYTHON PROGRAM ===")

name = "Python Learner"
print(f"Hello, {name}!")

# Simple math
favorite_number = 7
doubled = favorite_number * 2
print(f"Your favorite number doubled: {doubled}")

# Fun with text
message = "I'm learning Python!"
print(message.upper())
print(f"Message length: {len(message)} characters")

print("Setup complete! 🐍")

▶️ Running Python Programs

There are several ways to run your Python code:

Method 1: Command Line

Navigate to your project folder and run:

# Windows
python hello.py

# macOS/Linux  
python3 hello.py

Method 2: VS Code

1. Open your .py file in VS Code
2. Click the ▶️ play button
3. Or press F5

Method 3: IDLE

1. Open IDLE (comes with Python)
2. File → Open your .py file
3. Run → Run Module (or F5)

Method 4: Interactive Shell (REPL)

Type python or python3 to start Python interactively:

>>> print("Hello World!")
Hello World!
>>> 2 + 2
4
>>> exit()

Common Setup Problems & Solutions

Problem: "Python is not recognized" (Windows)

Solution: Reinstall Python and check "Add Python to PATH"

Problem: Permission errors during installation

Solution: Run installer as Administrator (Windows) or use sudo (Linux/macOS)

Problem: Multiple Python versions confusion

Solution: Always use python3 and pip3 on macOS/Linux

Problem: pip not working

Solution: Try python -m pip instead of just pip

✅ What You've Accomplished

Congratulations! You now have:

• Python 3 installed and working
• pip package installer ready
• A code editor set up
• Your first Python project folder
• Knowledge of how to run Python programs

You're ready to start programming!

Test Your Knowledge

Test your understanding of Python setup:

What's Next?

Perfect! Python is installed and you're ready to code. Next, let's write your first real Python program and learn the basics of Python programming.

Continue to: Your First Program

Ready to start coding? Let's go! 🚀