Python is a popular programming language created by Guido van Rossum and maintained by the Python Software Foundation.
Before writing Python code, you must install it on your computer.
Check If Python Is Already Installed
Before installing, check whether Python is already installed.
Windows / 🍎 macOS / 🐧 Linux
Open:
- Windows → Command Prompt
- macOS/Linux → Terminal
Type:
python --version
or:
python3 --version
If installed, you will see something like:
Python 3.12.1
If you see an error like:
python is not recognized
Then you need to install Python.
Downloading Python
Go to the official website:
(Managed by the Python Software Foundation)
Click Downloads and choose your operating system.
Installing Python on Windows
Step 1: Download Installer
- Click Download Python (latest version)
Step 2: Run Installer
IMPORTANT:
Before clicking Install, check:
✅ Add Python to PATH
Then click:
👉 Install Now
Step 3: Verify Installation
Open Command Prompt and type:
python --version
Installing Python on macOS
Step 1: Download
Download from python.org.
Step 2: Open .pkg File
Double-click the downloaded file and follow instructions.
Step 3: Verify
Open Terminal and type:
python3 --version
Installing Python on Linux
Many Linux systems already have Python installed.
Check:
python3 --version
If not installed:
Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt update sudo apt install python3
Fedora:
sudo dnf install python3
Arch:
sudo pacman -S python
Understanding PATH
PATH is a system setting that tells your computer:
"Where is Python located?"
If Python is not added to PATH:
You might see:
python is not recognized as an internal or external command
On Windows:
- Reinstall Python
- Make sure ✅ "Add Python to PATH" is checked
Installing pip (Python Package Manager)
pip allows you to install libraries.
Check if pip is installed:
pip --version
or:
pip3 --version
If pip is not installed:
python -m ensurepip --upgrade
Installing an IDE (Code Editor)
You need a program to write Python code.
Popular editors:
| Tool | Type | Beginner Friendly | Notes | |------|------|------------------|-------| | IDLE | Built-in | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comes with Python | | VS Code | Advanced Editor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most popular | | PyCharm | Professional IDE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Powerful | | Notepad | Basic | ⭐ | Not recommended |
Most beginners use:
- Visual Studio Code
- PyCharm
Running Your First Python Program
After installing, test it.
Method 1: Interactive Mode
Open terminal:
python
You’ll see:
>>>
Type:
print("Hello, Python!")
To exit:
exit()
Method 2: Running a Python File
Step 1: Create a file:
hello.py
Step 2: Add this code:
print("Hello from file!")
Step 3: Run it:
python hello.py
Python Version Types
There are two main versions:
| Version | Status | Should You Use It? | |----------|--------|--------------------| | Python 2 | Deprecated | ❌ No | | Python 3 | Current | ✅ Yes |
Always install Python 3.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem 1: "python not recognized"
Solution:
- Reinstall
- Check "Add to PATH"
Problem 2: Multiple Python Versions
Check:
where python
(macOS/Linux):
which python3