Why learn to program in Python?
Whether you're seeking job opportunities or looking for a language to tackle various tasks and create amazing scripts, Python is an essential skill to acquire. As one of the most popular programming languages, Python offers a wide range of job prospects. It is beginner-friendly, easy to learn, and has the versatility to handle diverse projects such as app development, website building, game development, and much more. By learning Python, you gain access to a multitude of possibilities that other programming languages cannot match.
Getting started with download installation
Note: Please be aware that this tutorial utilizes Windows for all examples. However, it is important to note that the download and installation process remains the same across different operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.
Download: To download Python, please visit the official website at www.python.org/downloads. On the download page, simply click on the download button. The website will automatically detect your operating system and provide you with a suitable download option.
To access the specific Python releases for your operating system, click on the link provided next to the yellow download button on the webpage. This will lead you to the available options tailored to your computer's compatibility.
You can download the latest version present on the top of the page or select from the version list below it
It is highly recommended to download the latest version of Python as it includes the most recent features and ongoing maintenance. While older versions can still function, they may lack certain features available in newer releases, and some features from older versions may become deprecated over time.
Installation: To install Python, on your computer, head on to your download files on your File Explorer. Locate and double-click on the Python file.
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| download list on Window explorer |
Then wait for a window installation pop-up. This will ask you whether you want the file to make changes to your computer. Click yes to proceed.
Choose the method to install Python on your computer. By default, Python is preconfigured for installation on your operating system, with the appropriate file path. However, you have the option to customize the installation according to your specific requirements.
If you would like to proceed with the preconfigured, click the Install Now option and this will install Python on your system.
But if you prefer to customize how you want it to be, then click the Customize Installation option
Understanding the Customization option
The Customize Installation option allows you to modify the functionality and behavior of the Python files on your computer. It provides the flexibility to adjust optional features by adding or removing them according to your preferences.
By selecting Customize Installation, you can also access advanced options such as installing Python for all users on your computer and adding the path to your environmental variables.
Make sure you know your need before you choose the installation type.
Next, click install. This will install the Python Application on your computer.
Make sure you see this message before you close the program, otherwise, it will do the opposite.
Setting up & running Python program
Now that Python has been successfully installed on your computer, it's time to run it.
Similar to other programming languages, Python requires an integrated development environment (IDE) to execute programs. To run Python programs on your computer, you will need to download an IDE. One popular IDE specifically designed for Python is PyCharm. In this tutorial, we will be using PyCharm IDE as our preferred choice.
Here are the step-by-step instructions for downloading and installing PyCharm:
STEP 1: Visit www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download.
STEP 2: Choose the version of PyCharm you want to download. There are two main versions available: Professional and Community.
- PyCharm Professional: Offers a comprehensive feature set for scientific and web Python development, with support for HTML, JavaScript, and SQL. It comes with a pricing structure.
Note: PyCharm is a large file, requiring approximately 1.6GB of storage.
- PyCharm Community: An open-source program dedicated to Python development, maintained by developers worldwide. It focuses exclusively on Python programming needs.
STEP 3: Locate the downloaded file on your computer and double-click to begin the installation process. Follow the instructions provided.
STEP 4: Once the program opens, click on the "Next" button.
STEP 5: Configure your Python Community Edition.
STEP 6: Select the desired installation path for the file, then click "Next".
STEP 7: Finally, click the "Finish" button to complete the installation.
Please note that these steps may vary slightly depending on your specific operating system and PyCharm version.
Write your first program with Python
Open your Pycharm program - To help you quickly locate and run your program you will need to add the program to your computer start menu.
If you are on Windows:
Click on the Windows Icon
Locate and right-click on the Pycharm directory
Click Add To Start
After, start the Pycharm application
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When it is open, click New Project, then name your project.
In PyCharm, you will find a code editor window where you can write your Python code. This is where you will spend most of your time crafting and refining your programs. The code editor provides various features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and intelligent suggestions to enhance your coding experience.
Additionally, PyCharm offers a powerful debugger that allows you to step through your code, set breakpoints, and analyze variables to identify and fix errors efficiently. The debugger provides a comprehensive set of tools to help you trace and understand the execution flow of your program.
I hope you were able to run 'Hellow World' in Python. This is all you need to know to get started with Python. Thanks for reading hope to see you at the next one
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