Setting Up Python - ethicalcircuits

Setting Up Python: Your First Coding Adventure!

Learn how to install Python and write your first program like a pro!

Step 1: Installing Python

Python is like a magical toolbox for coding. Let’s install it!

For Windows/Mac/Linux:

Visit the Official Website:

• Go to python.org .
• Click the big yellow button that says “Download Python 3.x.x” (the latest version).

Run the Installer:

• Windows: Double-click the downloaded .exe file.
• Check the box “Add Python to PATH” (this helps your computer find Python).
• Click “Install Now”.
• Mac/Linux: Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions.

Verify Installation:

• Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
• Type python --version and press Enter.
• If you see Python 3.x.x, you’ve succeeded! 🎉

Step 2: Meet Python’s Friends – IDLE, VS Code, and PyCharm

Python needs a text editor (like a notebook for code) to write programs. Let’s pick one!

Option 1: IDLE (Simplest for Beginners)

IDLE comes with Python. It’s like a beginner’s diary for coding.

How to Open:

• Search for “IDLE” on your computer and open it.
• You’ll see a window with a >>> prompt. That’s where you can type code!

Option 2: VS Code (Cool for Projects)

VS Code is a free, colorful editor used by pros.

Installation:

• Go to code.visualstudio.com .
• Download and install it.
• Open VS Code and install the Python extension:
• Click the Extensions icon (📦 on the left).
• Search for “Python” and click Install.

Option 3: PyCharm (For Future Coders)

PyCharm is like a superhero’s coding lab.

Installation:

• Go to jetbrains.com/pycharm .
• Download the FREE Community Edition.
• Install it and open!

Step 3: Writing Your First Program – “Hello, World!”

Let’s create a program that says “Hello, World!”. This is a tradition in coding!

Using IDLE:

• Open IDLE.
• Click File → New File to open a new window.
• Type:

print("Hello, World!")

• Save the file as hello.py (File → Save).
• Press F5 or click Run → Run Module.
• Magic Happens: You’ll see Hello, World! in the IDLE shell!

Using VS Code/PyCharm:

• Open VS Code or PyCharm.
• Create a new file (File → New File).
• Type:

print("Hello, World!")

• Save the file as hello.py .
• Click the Run button (▶️) at the top.
• Boom! The words “Hello, World!” appear in the terminal below.

Troubleshooting Tips

• ❌ Python not found? Reinstall Python and check “Add Python to PATH”.
• ❌ Code won’t run? Make sure you saved the file with .py at the end (e.g., hello.py).
• ❌ Print not working? Check if you used quotes: print("Hello") not print(Hello) .

Fun Experiment

Change the message in print() and run the code again! Try:

print("I am a Python coder! 🐍")

Why This Matters

• Python is your gateway to building games, apps, and robots!
• IDLE/VS Code are your tools – like brushes for a painter.

What’s Next?

Learn about variables (containers for data) in the next lesson!

Try coding a joke:

print("Why did the computer go to school?")
print("To get a little _byte_! 😂")

Pro Tip: Ask a parent/teacher for help if you get stuck. Coding is teamwork!