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Getting Started with Python for Absolute Beginners

By HTG
Getting Started with Python for Absolute Beginners

Python is renowned for its simple, readable syntax, making it an excellent first language for aspiring programmers. It's used everywhere, from web development and data science to artificial intelligence and automation. This guide will help you take your first steps into the world of Python.

1. Installing Python

Before you can start coding, you need to install Python on your computer.

  • Go to the official Python website: Visit python.org.
  • Download the latest version: The website will automatically suggest the best version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  • Run the installer: Open the downloaded file. Important: On Windows, make sure to check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" during installation. This will make it easier to run Python from the command line.

To verify the installation, open your terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows) and type python --version. If it shows the version number you just installed, you're all set!

2. Choosing a Code Editor

You can write Python code in any text editor, but using a dedicated code editor or Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will make your life much easier. They offer features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging tools.

A great choice for beginners is Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It's free, powerful, and has excellent Python support.

  1. Download VS Code from code.visualstudio.com.
  2. Install it on your system.
  3. Open VS Code and install the official Python extension from the Extensions view (click the square icon on the sidebar).

3. Writing Your First Python Program

Let's write a classic "Hello, World!" program.

  1. Create a new file in VS Code and name it hello.py. The .py extension is crucial.
  2. In the file, type the following line of code:
print("Hello, World!")

The print() function is a built-in Python function that outputs text to the console.

4. Running Your Program

There are two easy ways to run your Python script in VS Code:

  • Using the Terminal: Open the integrated terminal in VS Code (View > Terminal). Make sure you are in the same directory where you saved hello.py. Type python hello.py and press Enter. You should see "Hello, World!" printed in the terminal.
  • Using the "Run" Button: With the Python extension installed, you should see a "Run" button (a triangle icon) in the top-right corner of the editor. Clicking it will execute your script.

Next Steps

Congratulations, you've written and executed your first Python program! From here, you can start exploring the fundamentals:

  • Variables: Storing data (e.g., name = "Alice").
  • Data Types: Working with numbers, strings, lists, and dictionaries.
  • Control Flow: Using if statements, for loops, and while loops to control the execution of your code.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Keep practicing, and you'll become a proficient Python programmer in no time.