Tutorials / Python Basics / Lesson 1

Installing Python and Setting Up Your Environment

What You Will Learn

By the end of this lesson, you will have Python installed on your computer and will have run your first Python program.

Step 1: Download Python

Go to python.org/downloads and download the latest version of Python 3.

  • Windows: Download the .exe installer. During installation, check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” — this is important.
  • macOS: Download the .pkg installer and follow the steps.
  • Linux: Python is usually pre-installed. Run python3 --version to check.

Step 2: Verify the Installation

Open a terminal (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

python --version

Expected output:

Python 3.12.3

If you see a version number starting with 3, you are ready to go.

Step 3: Run Your First Program

In your terminal, type:

python

This opens the Python interactive shell (also called the REPL). You will see something like:

Python 3.12.3 (main, ...)
>>>

Now type this and press Enter:

print("Hello, world!")

Expected output:

Hello, world!

You just ran your first Python program. The print() function displays text on the screen.

To exit the shell, type exit() and press Enter.

Step 4: Install a Code Editor

Writing code in the terminal is fine for quick tests, but for real programs you need a code editor. The most popular free option is VS Code.

  1. Download it from code.visualstudio.com
  2. Install the Python extension (search for it in the Extensions panel)
  3. Create a new file called hello.py
  4. Type print("Hello, world!") and save
  5. Click the Run button (▶) or press F5

What You Learned

  • How to install Python on your operating system
  • How to verify the installation with python --version
  • How to use the Python shell
  • How to run a Python script from a code editor

In the next lesson, you will learn about variables — how Python stores and remembers information.