1.2 Python Installation and Environment Setup

1.2 Python Installation and Environment Setup

Step-by-step instructions for installing Python on your computer and choosing the right development environment (IDE/Editor) for your needs.

Before you start writing your first Python code, it is necessary to have the Python interpreter installed on your computer. Let's look at the installation steps and the options for your development environment.

Python Installation Steps

  • 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official Python website and download the latest stable version of Python 3 for your operating system.
  • 2. Run the Installer: For Windows users, it is very important to check the "Add Python X.X to PATH" option during installation. This allows your system to find Python from any command line location.
  • 3. Verify the Installation: Open a Terminal (on macOS/Linux) or Command Prompt/PowerShell (on Windows) and type `python --version` or `python3 --version`. You should see the version of Python you just installed.
# Check the Python version used by the live editor.
# We import the 'sys' module to access system information.
import sys

# Print the Python version.
print("Python Version:")
print(sys.version)

Development Environment (IDE/Editor)

To write and debug your code more effectively, you will need an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or an advanced text editor. Popular choices include:
  • VS Code (Visual Studio Code): A lightweight, free, and highly extensible editor.
  • PyCharm: A powerful IDE specifically designed for Python.
  • Jupyter Notebooks: Ideal for data analysis and interactive programming.

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