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Getting Started with Python

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mutanthumb edited this page Oct 16, 2023 · 4 revisions

What do I need?

  • A computer with an OS - MAC, Windows or Linux. Ideally the latest OS is recommended to support the most recent Python releases.
  • Command Line
    • Python is run using the command line to pass arguments and execute scripts. It is useful when working with Python to have a basic level of familiarity with the Command Line (see the Resources section).
    • Both Linux and Mac use UNIX and have access to a built-in Terminal application.
    • Windows has a Command Line, Powershell, and the more recent Windows Terminal.
  • Text Editors or Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
    • While you don’t need these to get started with Python, they can be useful for writing, reading, and interpreting the code.
    • Some things to look for in a Text Editor: Syntax Highlighting, Indentation, Code Prediction (1).
    • If you aren’t able to download and install an IDE or text editor - you can use some built-in text editors for each OS, such as TextEdit for Mac (2), Notepad for Windows, or command line editors such as Vi, Nano, and Pico.
    • Top free editors/IDEs for Python: IDLE, PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, Jupyter, Sublime Text Editor (3).
  1. Everything You Need to Dive Into Python Programming | by Martin Andersson Aaberge | Towards Data Science. Accessed 2023-06-28
  2. Tip: when working with TextEdit for Mac you’ll need to select "format -> make plain text' as a default, otherwise it uses stylised quotes and won't allow to save as a plain text file.
  3. For a more in depth discussion of Text Editors and IDEs (along with additional tools) see: Top 15+ Python IDEs in 2023: Choosing The Best One (simplilearn.com) (accessed 2023-07-04)
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