Python ยท Chapter 2 of 45
Python Install & Setup
To run Python locally, download the installer from python.org. On Windows tick 'Add Python to PATH' during install so you can run `python` from any terminal.
Once installed, you can run Python interactively by typing `python` in a terminal, or run a script file with `python file.py`.
Syntax
python file.pyVerify the install
Open a terminal (or Command Prompt) and run `python --version`. You should see a version like 'Python 3.12.0'. If not, re-install and enable PATH.
Editors and IDEs
Popular choices are VS Code (free), PyCharm Community (free) and Thonny (great for beginners). Online options include Replit and Google Colab.
Example 1 (bash)
python --versionOutput
Python 3.12.0Prints the installed Python version.
Example 2 (bash)
python hello.pyOutput
Hello, World!Runs a script named hello.py.
Key points
- Download Python from python.org.
- Enable 'Add Python to PATH' on Windows.
- Test with `python --version`.
- Use VS Code or PyCharm as your editor.
๐ก Note: Prefer python.org's installer over the Microsoft Store version โ it works better with PATH and virtual environments.