Python Getting Started

Python is a powerful and easy-to-learn programming language. This guide will help you get started with Python by covering installation, running Python programs, and using the command line.

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01. Python Installation

Many PCs and Macs come with Python pre-installed. To check if Python is installed on your system, follow these steps:

Check Python on Windows

Open the Command Line (cmd.exe) and type:

python --version

Check Python on Linux or Mac

Open the terminal and type:

python --version

If Python is not installed, you can download it for free from the official website: python.org

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02. Python Quick Run

Python is an interpreted programming language, meaning you write Python (.py) files in a text editor and execute them using the Python interpreter.

Running a Python File

To run a Python file, use the command line:

C:\Users\Admin>python firstprogram.py

Where firstprogram.py is the name of your Python file.

Creating Your First Python File

Let's create a simple Python file named firstprogram.py in any text editor and add the following code:

Example:

firstprogram.py

print("Hello, World!")

Save your file → open the command line(cmd) → navigate to the directory where you saved your file → run:

python firstprogram.py

Output:

Hello, World!

Execution:

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03. Python Version

To check the Python version in the editor or on your system, you can use the sys module:

Example

import sys
print(sys.version)

Output:

3.12.3 (tags/v3.12.3:f6650f9, Apr  9 2024, 14:05:25) [MSC v.1938 64 bit (AMD64)]

Execution:

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04. The Python Command Line

Sometimes, it's quicker to test short Python scripts directly in the command line instead of creating a file. Python allows you to run code interactively in the command line.

Running Python in Command Line

Open the command line and type:

python

Or, if the python command does not work, try:

py

Example

Once in the Python command line, you can type and execute Python code:

>>> print("Hello, World!")
Hello, World!

Exiting the Python Command Line

When you're done, type the following to exit:

exit()

Commands Execution:

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Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered how to install Python, run Python scripts and execute Python code in the command line.

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