How to Setup your Computer for Python Programming
To begin learning Python, you need to setup your computer or device to write Python programs. This tutorial will teach you how to set up your local computer to execute Python Programs. However, if you already have a working Python development environment, you are welcome to skip this step.
Firstly, you should know that some computers have Python already preinstalled.
How To check if you already have Python installed on your computer
On a Windows OS computer, open your Command Prompt and enter the command below:
python --version
On macOS and Linux OS computers, open the terminal and enter the command below:
python --version
If Python is preinstalled on your computer, you should see an output showing the version of Python installed on your computer.
It is important to check the version to ensure it is Python 3.x.x where x is any number that represents the various python versions.
If you do not have Python installed or your version is Python 2.x.x, you can easily download and install the latest version of Python programming by following this link.
The installation process is very easy and straight-forward.
First, you go to the downloads page and select the version for the operating system you use. In most cases, the website automatically detects your operating system and shows you the recommended download. Download the version that starts with 3.
Next, run the downloaded file and follow the installation guide. The default setup is usually okay.
Finalizing Set Up - Create a Hello World Program
If you've successfully downloaded and installed python, we need to test if everything is okay by running a simple hello world program.
To write the program, you will need a text editor. In this tutorial series, you may use any text editor, but we recommend using Sublime text editor. If you do not already have sublime text editor, download, install, and set it up on your computer.
Create a Hello World Program
Create a folder on your computer desktop with the name sikademy-python-tutorials.
Copy and paste the code below into a new page on the sublime editor and save it with the name tutorial.py. Ensure the file is saved in the sikademy-python-tutorials folder you created earlier.
- Python Code.
print("Hello World. My name is Archangel!")Startup Command Prompt (for windows) or Terminal (for Mac and Linux). Using the command prompt or terminal, navigate to the "sikademy-python-tutorials" folder, and enter the following command:
python tutorial.pyYour output should read:
- Output
Hello World. My name is Archangel!
Wrap Off
The installation process for python is simple and straight-forward and you can also find more information online on how to go about it step-by-step.
However, if you run into errors or unable to complete this tutorial, feel free to contact us anytime, and we will instantly resolve it. You can also request clarification, download this tutorial as a pdf, or report bugs using the buttons below.