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🐍 Python Setup Guide

This guide will help you install Python on your computer.

Step 1: Check if Python is Already Installed

Open your terminal/command prompt and type:

python --version

or

python3 --version

If you see something like Python 3.11.5, you're already set! Skip to 02_running_code.md.

Step 2: Download Python

🪟 Windows

  1. Go to python.org/downloads
  2. Click the big yellow "Download Python 3.x.x" button
  3. Run the installer
  4. IMPORTANT: Check the box that says "Add Python to PATH"
  5. Click "Install Now"

🍎 macOS

Option A: Official Installer 1. Go to python.org/downloads 2. Download the macOS installer 3. Run the .pkg file and follow the prompts

Option B: Using Homebrew (recommended if you have Homebrew) 

brew install python

🐧 Linux

Most Linux distributions come with Python. If not:

Ubuntu/Debian: 

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

Fedora: 

sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open a new terminal window and run:

python --version

You should see: 

Python 3.x.x

Also verify pip (Python's package manager): 

pip --version

Step 4: Choose a Code Editor

You'll need a place to write your code. Here are great options:

  • Free and powerful
  • Great Python support
  • Download: code.visualstudio.com
  • Install the "Python" extension after installing VS Code

PyCharm Community Edition

Other Options

  • Sublime Text — Lightweight and fast
  • Atom — Free and customizable
  • IDLE — Comes with Python (basic but sufficient to start)

Step 5: Test Your Setup

Create a file called hello.py with this content:

print("Hello, VibeLearning! 🚀")
print("Python is working correctly!")

Run it: 

python hello.py

You should see: 

Hello, VibeLearning! 🚀
Python is working correctly!

Troubleshooting

"python" command not found

  • Windows: Reinstall Python and make sure "Add to PATH" is checked
  • macOS/Linux: Try python3 instead of python

Permission denied

  • macOS/Linux: You may need sudo for installation
  • Windows: Run the installer as Administrator

Old Python version

  • Make sure you downloaded Python 3.x (not Python 2.x)
  • Python 2 is outdated and not recommended

✅ Ready?

Once Python is installed and working, move on to 02_running_code.md to learn different ways to run your code!