What You Need to Install
To start learning Python, you need two things:
- Python 3: The programming language we'll use
- Visual Studio Code: The editor where we'll write code
Both are FREE and work on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Let's get started!
Installing Python 3 on Windows
Step 1: Download Python
1. Go to python.org
Visit https://www.python.org/downloads/ ↗
You'll see a big yellow button "Download Python 3.x.x" - Click it!
Step 2: Run the Installer
2. Important: Check "Add Python to PATH"
When the installer opens, look for a checkbox at the bottom that says:
"Add python.exe to PATH"
✓ Make sure to CHECK this box! It's VERY important.
Then click "Install Now"
Step 3: Verify Installation
3. Open Command Prompt and Test
Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter
In the window that opens, type:
You should see: Python 3.x.x (the version number)
✓ If you see the version, Python is installed correctly!
Installing Visual Studio Code on Windows
Step 1: Download VS Code
1. Go to code.visualstudio.com
Visit https://code.visualstudio.com/ ↗
Click "Download for Windows" - it will automatically detect your system
Step 2: Install VS Code
2. Run the installer and follow steps
Just click "Next" and "Install" for all the default options
It will take 2-3 minutes
Step 3: Install Python Extension
3. Open VS Code and add Python extension
1. Open VS Code (search for "Visual Studio Code" in Start menu)
2. On the left side, click the Extensions icon (looks like 4 squares)
3. Search for "Python"
4. Click the first result by "Microsoft" and click "Install"
💡 Quick Test for Windows
1. Open VS Code
2. File → New File
3. Type: print("Hello Python!")
4. Save as test.py
5. Right-click and select "Run Python File in Terminal"
If you see "Hello Python!" printed - YOU'RE ALL SET! 🎉
Installing Python 3 on Mac
Step 1: Check if Python is Already Installed
1. Open Terminal
Press Command + Space to open Spotlight, type "Terminal", and press Enter
Type this command:
If you see a version number like Python 3.9.0, you already have Python! Skip to VS Code.
Step 2: Install Python Using Homebrew (Recommended)
2. Install Homebrew First (if not installed)
Homebrew is a package manager for Mac (makes installing software easy)
Open Terminal and paste this command:
Press Enter and follow the prompts. It will ask for your password.
Step 3: Install Python with Homebrew
3. Once Homebrew is installed, install Python
Wait for installation to complete (takes 2-5 minutes)
Step 4: Verify Installation
4. Check Python version
You should see: Python 3.x.x
✓ If you see the version, Python is installed correctly!
Installing Visual Studio Code on Mac
Step 1: Download VS Code
1. Go to code.visualstudio.com
Visit https://code.visualstudio.com/ ↗
Click "Download for Mac"
If you have Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), it will auto-detect. Otherwise, it gives you Intel version.
Step 2: Install VS Code
2. Install from Downloads
1. Open your Downloads folder
2. You'll see "Visual Studio Code.app"
3. Drag it to the Applications folder
4. Installation complete!
Step 3: Launch VS Code
3. Open VS Code
Press Command + Space, type "Visual Studio Code", and press Enter
Or go to Applications folder and double-click it
Step 4: Install Python Extension
4. Add Python extension in VS Code
1. Open VS Code
2. On the left side, click Extensions (looks like 4 squares)
3. Search for "Python"
4. Click the first result by "Microsoft"
5. Click "Install"
Wait for installation to complete (1-2 minutes)
💡 Quick Test for Mac
1. Open VS Code
2. File → New File
3. Type: print("Hello Python!")
4. Save as test.py
5. Right-click and select "Run Python File in Terminal"
If you see "Hello Python!" printed - YOU'RE ALL SET! 🎉
Mac-Specific Tips
About M1/M2/M3 Macs (Apple Silicon)
If you have a newer Mac with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 chip):
✅ Good News!
Python and VS Code work PERFECTLY on Apple Silicon!
The downloads automatically detect your system and give you the right version.
No extra steps needed!
Command Line Tips for Mac Users
- Open Terminal quickly: Command + Space, type "Terminal"
- Python command: Use
python3(not just python) - Clear screen: Type
clear - Check location: Type
pwd
Installing Python 3 on Linux
Good News!
Most Linux systems already have Python 3 installed. Let's check!
Step 1: Check if Python is Already Installed
1. Open Terminal
Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Terminal
Type this command:
If you see a version number like Python 3.9.0, you're done! Skip to VS Code.
Step 2: Install Python (if needed)
2. Install Python with Package Manager
If Python isn't installed, run these commands in Terminal:
For Ubuntu/Debian:
For Fedora/Red Hat:
For Arch Linux:
Installing Visual Studio Code on Linux
Step 1: Download VS Code
1. Go to code.visualstudio.com
Visit https://code.visualstudio.com/ ↗
Download the .deb file (for Debian/Ubuntu) or appropriate version for your distro
Step 2: Install VS Code
2. Install from Terminal
Replace filename with the actual file name:
Step 3: Install Python Extension
3. Open VS Code and add Python extension
1. Open VS Code
2. On the left, click Extensions (4 squares icon)
3. Search for "Python"
4. Install the extension by Microsoft
💡 Quick Test for Linux
1. Open VS Code
2. File → New File
3. Type: print("Hello Python!")
4. Save as test.py
5. Right-click and select "Run Python File in Terminal"
If you see "Hello Python!" printed - YOU'RE ALL SET! 🎉
Troubleshooting
Python command not found?
Windows: You probably didn't check "Add to PATH" during installation. Reinstall and make sure to check that box!
Linux: Use python3 instead of python
VS Code doesn't recognize Python?
Make sure you installed the Python extension (by Microsoft) in VS Code. See Step 3 above.
Still having issues?
Don't worry! Call our course manager: 📞 8187907789
We can help you troubleshoot during the course too!
All Set? Join the Course!
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