🐍 Python Tutorial: Introduction & Setup

Welcome to the Python tutorial! This section will guide you through installing Python, setting up your development environment properly, and getting everything ready for writing real Python code.

1. What is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language that emphasizes code readability and simplicity. Originally created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991, Python was designed to be easy to understand and write, using an elegant syntax that often resembles natural language. Its dynamic typing, automatic memory management, and extensive standard library make it a popular choice for beginners and experts alike. Python supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. It is widely adopted across diverse domains such as web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, scientific computing, automation, scripting, and software testing. The language’s rich ecosystem of third-party packages, active community support, and cross-platform capabilities further contribute to its status as one of the most influential and widely-used programming languages in the world today.

2. Installing Python

Visit the official Python website to download the latest version: python.org/downloads.

For Windows, follow the installer instructions. Check the box "Add Python to PATH" during the installation.

For macOS, you can install Python using Homebrew:

brew install python

On Linux, use your package manager, for example on Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

Verify Setup:

python --version && pip --version

3. Setting Up Your Development Environment

After installing Python, it's important to set up a comfortable development environment:

• Download an editor or IDE: Popular options include:
  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code) – lightweight, customizable, with great Python extensions
  • PyCharm Community Edition – full-featured IDE designed specifically for Python
  • Sublime Text or Atom – flexible text editors with Python support
• Configure Python Interpreter:In your editor, set the Python interpreter path to the Python installation you just completed. This allows your editor to run, lint, and debug Python code correctly.
• Install Python Extensions:For VS Code, install the official "Python" extension by Microsoft. It provides linting, debugging, code completion, and more.

4. Virtual Environments

• Use Virtual Environments: Python virtual environments isolate project dependencies so they don't conflict with other projects or system Python.
• Create one with:

  python -m venv myenv

• Activate on Windows:

  myenv\Scripts\activate

• Activate on macOS/Linux:

  source myenv/bin/activate

• Deactivate with:

  deactivate

Additional Resources & References