Installation

How To Install

Before you can start coding in Python, you need to install it on your system. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Download Python

  • Visit the official Python website: python.org.
  • Navigate to the Downloads section and download the latest version of Python for your operating system (Windows,
    macOS, or Linux).

Step 2: Install Python

  • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Make sure to check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” during installation. This makes it easier to run Python
    from the command line.

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open your terminal or command prompt and type:

  python --version

If Python is installed correctly, you’ll see the version number (e.g., Python 3.11.5).

Python IDEs

There are several Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) available for Python. Some popular options include:

  • PyCharm: A powerful IDE (developed by JetBrains) with intelligent code completion and debugging capabilities.
    Available in both free and
    paid versions. PyCharm is the best IDE for Python in my opinion.

  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A lightweight, open-source code editor with Python support through extensions. It’s
    free and highly customizable.

  • Notepad++: A simple text editor with Python syntax highlighting.

  • Jupyter Notebook: An open-source web application that allows you to create and share documents containing live
    code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.

  • Spyder: A scientific Python development environment that provides advanced editing, interactive testing,
    debugging, and introspection features.