Python Installation for Beginners

First, visit the official Python website:

Do not download the interpreter from other sources. The page usually suggests downloading Python for your operating system automatically, but check to ensure it has identified your system correctly. If the version offered doesn’t match your operating system, select the appropriate one and download the latest stable version for your system.

After downloading the installation file, run it. To keep things simple, leave all installation parameters at their default settings. As a beginner, your main goal is to start programming, right?

Once the installation is complete, check if Python is running. Launch the terminal application (command line). On Windows, press Win+R and type cmd in the “Run” window. On macOS, press Command+Space and type Terminal in the Spotlight search window.

In the terminal window, type python3 (for macOS) or python (for Windows) and press Enter.

If you see something like this:

Python 3.9.1 (default, Dec 17 2020, 03:41:37) 
[Clang 12.0.0 (clang-1200.0.32.27)] on darwin
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

then Python is installed and working on your computer. It’s time to write your first program!