Getting Started with Python

Python is a versatile, high-level programming language that is widely supported across all major operating systems.

To execute Python code, you need to have a Python interpreter installed on your system. However, if you want to start immediately, you can use our free online Python editor that enables you to run Python code directly in your browser—no installation required.

For those who prefer to install Python on your computer, this guide will walk you through the installation process on Windows, macOS, and Linux (Ubuntu).

Install Python on Windows

To install Python on your Windows, just follow these steps:

  1. Install VS Code
  2. Download Python Installer File
  3. Run the Installer
  4. Install Python
  5. Verify your installation

Here is a detailed explanation of each of the steps:

Step 1: Install VS Code

Go to the VS Code Official website and download the Windows installer. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the installation process.

Click Finish to complete the installation process

Step 2: Download the Python Installer File

Go to the official Python website and download the latest version (Python 3.12.2 at the time of writing this tutorial) for Windows.

The website automatically detects your operating system and gives you the right installer.

Python Download Page
Python Download Page

Step 3: Run the Installer

Now, go to your download folder and run the installer you just downloaded. Depending on your security settings, you might be prompted to allow access.

Simply allow it and proceed.

Step 4: Install Python

Once you have run the installer, you will come across this screen.

Install Python on Windows
Install Python on Windows

On the screen, you will see two options: Install Now and Customize Installation. We suggest you skip all customization steps and simply click Install Now.

  • Check on Add python.exe to PATH as it ensures Python is added to our system's PATH variable.(Recommended)
  • Click Install Now, as it will include all the necessary files needed later.

This makes it easier to run a Python Program from the command prompt (cmd) directly without specifying the full path of the Python executable.

After using this option, Python will be successfully installed in your device.

Python Default Installation
Python Default Installation

Step 4: Verify your installation

After the installation is complete, you can verify whether Python is installed by using the following command in the command prompt.

python --version

Python Installation Verification for Windows
Python Installation Verify

Note: The version number might differ from the one above, depending on your installed version.

Now, you are all set to run Python programs on your device.

Install Python on MacOS

To install Python on your Mac, just follow these steps:

  1. Install VS Code
  2. Check Python version
  3. Download the Python Installer File
  4. Run the Installer
  5. Follow the Instructions
  6. Verify your installation

Here is a detailed explanation of each of the steps:

Step 1: Install VS Code

Go to the VS Code official website and download the zipped file. Once the download is complete, open the zipped file.

In Finder, open a new window and navigate to the Applications folder. Drag the VS Code application from the zip file into the Applications folder to install it.

You can now launch VS Code directly from the Applications folder.

Step 2: Check Python Version

Since macOS often comes with an older version of Python (Python 2.x) pre-installed on it, you can check the current version by using the following command in the Terminal app.

python -- version

or, for Python 3:

python3 -- version

If you are satisfied with the installed version of Python 3.x, you can skip the remaining steps. Otherwise, follow the steps below.

Step 3: Download the Python Installer File

Visit the official Python website and download the latest version (Python 3.12.2 at the time of writing this tutorial) for mac.

The website automatically detects your operating system and gives you the right installer.

Python Download Page for Mac
Python Download Page for Mac

Step 4: Run the Installer

Go to your downloads folder and run the installer you just downloaded.

Python Run Installer for Mac
Python Run Installer for Mac

Step 5: Follow the Instructions

You will be prompted to agree to the software license agreement, choose the installation location (we recommend using default location), and enter your administrator password.

Simply proceed through it.

Step 6: Verify your installation

Once the installation is complete, you can verify whether Python is installed by using the following command in the Terminal app.

python3 -- version
Python Installation Verify for Mac
Python Installation Verify for Mac

Note: The version number might differ from the one above, depending on your installed version.

Install Python on Linux

Linux has various distributions, and the installation process differs slightly from each other. For now, we will focus on Ubuntu distribution.

Most Linux distributions come pre-installed with Python. However, if you need to install or upgrade follow these steps:

  1. Install VS Code
  2. Check Python Version
  3. Install Python via Package Manager
  4. Verify your installation

Here is a detailed explanation of each of the steps:

Step 1: Install VS Code

Open the Terminal and type

sudo apt update 

This command updates your package lists to ensure you get the latest versions of your software.

Proceed to install VS Code with

sudo snap install code --classic 

Step 2: Check Python Version

You can check the current version by using the following command in the terminal window.

python --version

or, for Python 3

python3 --version

If you are satisfied with the installed version of Python, you can skip the remaining steps. Otherwise, follow the steps below.


Step 3: Install Python via Package Manager

Update the package list to ensure you get the latest version available:

sudo apt update

Install Python 3:

sudo apt install python3

This command installs Python along pip (Python package installer), documentation, and other useful packages.

Python Installation for Linux
Python Installation for Linux

Wait until the installation finishes to start using Python.


Step 4: Verify your Installation

Once the installation is complete, you can verify whether Python is installed by using the following command in the Terminal app.

python3 -- version
Python Installation Verify for Linux
Python Installation Verification for Linux

Now, you are all set to run Python programs on your device.


Run Your First Python Program

First open VS Code, click on the File in the top menu and then select New File.

Create a New File in VS Code
Create a New File in VS Code

Then, save this file with a .py extension by clicking on File again, then Save As, and type your filename ending in .py. (Here, we are saving it as Hello_World.py)

Before you start coding, make sure the Python extension is installed in VS Code. Open VS Code and click on Extensions on the left sidebar. Then, search for the Python extension by Microsoft and click on install.

Install Python Extension
Install Python Extension in VS Code

Now, write the following code into your file:

print("Hello World")

Then click on the run button on the top right side of your screen.

Python Run Program
Python Run Program

You should see Hello World printed to the command prompt.

Note: Type python3 in command prompt for macOS and Linux.

Now that you have set everything up to run Python programs on your computer, you'll be learning how the basic program works in Python in the next tutorial.

Did you find this article helpful?

Our premium learning platform, created with over a decade of experience and thousands of feedbacks.

Learn and improve your coding skills like never before.

Try Programiz PRO
  • Interactive Courses
  • Certificates
  • AI Help
  • 2000+ Challenges