How to Install Python: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Python is a versatile and powerful programming language that is used in various industries such as data science, web development, and artificial intelligence. If you are a beginner in programming or want to learn Python, the first step is to install it on your computer. In this article, we will guide you through the installation process of Python on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Python Installation on Windows

• Downloading Python
• Installing Python
• Setting up Path Environment Variable

2. Python Installation on macOS

• Checking Existing Python Installation
• Downloading Python
• Installing Python

3. Python Installation on Linux

• Downloading Python
• Checking Existing Python Installation
• Installing Python

4. Conclusion

5. FAQs

Python Installation on Windows

Downloading Python                    

The first step to installing Python on Windows is to download the latest version from the official website. Go to the Python Downloads page and click on the “Download Python” button.

Installing Python

Open the installation file after the download is finished. Select “Install Now” and choose the optional features you want to install. Once you have selected the features, click “Next” and proceed with the installation process.

Setting up Path Environment Variable

After the installation, you must add Python to the Path Environment Variable. Choose “Edit the system environment variables” from the “Environment Variables” search results after opening the Start menu. Press on the “Environment Variables” button and under the “System Variables” section, select “Path” and click on “Edit”. Click “New” and add the path of the Python installation directory. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Python Installation on macOS

Checking Existing Python Installation

macOS comes pre-installed with Python 2.7, but we recommend installing the latest version. To check if Python is already installed, open the terminal and type “python –version”. The Python version number will be shown if it is installed.

Downloading Python

Go to the Python Downloads page and download the latest version for macOS.

Installing Python

After the download is complete, double-click the installation file and follow the instructions in the installation wizard.

Python Installation on Linux

Checking Existing Python Installation

Linux distributions come with Python pre-installed. To check if Python is installed, open the terminal and type “python –version”. The version number will be shown if Python is set up.

Downloading Python

You can download the latest version of Python from the official website or use your distribution package manager to install Python.

Installing Python

After the download is complete, extract the compressed file and open the terminal in the extracted directory. Type “./configure” to configure the installation and then type “make” to build the installation. To install Python, put “sudo make install” at the end.

Conclusion

Installing Python is the first step to learning and developing applications in Python. We hope this article has provided a step-by-step guide to installing Python on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

FAQs

Q: Can I install multiple versions of Python on the same computer?

A: Yes, you can install multiple versions of Python on the same computer. Make sure to specify the version when running a Python script.

Q: How can I tell if Python is set up on my machine?

A: Open the terminal (or command prompt on Windows) and type “python –version”. If Python is installed, the version number will be shown.

Q: Do I need to install Python on my computer to run Python scripts?

A: Yes, you need to install Python on your computer to run Python scripts.

Q: What makes Python 2 and Python 3 different from one another?

A: Python 2 and Python 3 are different versions of Python. Python 3 is the latest version and is recommended for new projects, as Python 2 has reached its end of life.

Q: Can I uninstall Python from my computer?

A: Yes, you can uninstall Python from your computer through the control panel (Windows) or package manager (Linux).

We hope this guide has helped you install Python on your computer. With Python installed, you can now start your journey in programming and explore the endless possibilities of this language. Happy coding!