Install Python

All we need to start digging into Python is Python (version 3.7 or greater) and a code editor.

Please follow the Python installation instructions for the operating system of your choice and we'll get started!

Text Editor

In addition to Python, you'll want a text editor to write code in.

For new programmers, I recommend using Atom.

If you have a different text editor you'd like to use, you might want to make sure it works well with Python.

Windows

Please visit the Python download page and scroll down to the list of files. Download one of the installer files for Windows - we had good luck with the web-based installer that downloads the parts of Python it needs as it is installing. Run the installer, and on the first screen of the installer, check "Add Python to PATH". Then click "Install Now" and follow the instructions to install Python.

To verify that Python installed correctly, open up your command prompt (Start -> Run -> cmd) and run:

> py -3 --version
Python 3.11.2

Note

See the Windows Getting Started documentation for more information if you have any questions.

Mac

Please visit Python download page and download the Python installer for Mac.

Verify that Python 3 was installed correctly by opening the Terminal application and running:

$ python3 --version
Python 3.11.2

Linux

It is very likely you already have Python installed. To check that you have Python installed, open a console and type:

$ python3 --version
Python 3.11.2

If you do not have Python installed, you should install it using your Linux distribution's package manager.

To install Python on Ubuntu:

$ sudo apt-get install python3

To install Python on Fedora:

$ sudo dnf install python3