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Install Python: Detailed Instructions for Window, Mac, and Linux

Previously, we learned what Python is and how powerful it can be for various tasks. To write and build projects in Python, you’ll need to install Python on your computer. While it’s possible to run Python code online through platforms like Replit or online compilers, installing Python on your system is the recommended route.

This way, you get access to all the tools and libraries you’ll need for real-world projects.

The installation process is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through it step-by-step. Let's dive in to get Python up and running on your machine!

1. Installing Python on Different Operating Systems

Windows

  1. Using the Python Installer:

    • Download the installer from the official Python website.

    • Run the installer and check the options for:

      • "Add Python to PATH" (important for running Python from the command line)

      • "Install launcher for all users"

    • This is a straightforward installation method, ideal for beginners. However, updates are not automatic.

  2. Using the Microsoft Store:

    • Open the Microsoft Store.

    • Search for the latest version of Python (e.g., Python 3.12).

    • Install it. This version will handle automatic updates within its release (e.g., 3.12 will update to 3.12.x automatically).

  3. Inside Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL):

    • If you're comfortable with Linux, you can use WSL to install a Linux distribution (like Ubuntu).

    • Follow standard Linux installation steps for Python once inside WSL. This option combines the flexibility of Linux with Windows' hardware support.

MacOS

  1. Using Homebrew:

  • Homebrew is a package manager for Mac, which makes installing and updating software easy.

  • Install Homebrew if you haven't already

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Install Python with Homebrew

brew install python

  • This method ensures that you have an up-to-date version of Python and allows easy upgrades.

  1. Using the Official Python Installer:

    • Download it from the Python website.

    • Run the installer like any other Mac software.

    • Remember to add Python to your system's PATH to ensure it's accessible from the terminal.

Linux

  1. Check Existing Python Version:

  • Open a terminal and check if Python is installed:

python --version
python3 --version

  • Most distributions include a version of Python, though it might be outdated (Python 2.x).

  • Using the Package Manager:

    • Depending on your Linux distribution:

      • For Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian:

        sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python-is-python3

        For Red Hat or CentOS:

        sudo yum install python3

        Installing python-is-python3 redirects the python command to use Python 3, avoiding compatibility issues.

    • Using Homebrew on Linux:

      • Homebrew can also be used on Linux for a more customizable setup:

        /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
brew install python

        Homebrew allows you to install Python without needing root access and provides the latest versions.

    2. Introduction to IDEs and Text Editors

    Choosing the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or text editor can significantly impact your coding experience:

    • Visual Studio Code (VSCode): A lightweight, customizable code editor with extensive Python support through extensions.

      • Good for beginners and professionals.

      • Offers debugging, Git integration, and code completion.

    • PyCharm: A feature-rich IDE specifically designed for Python development.

      • Excellent for larger projects.

      • Offers smart code navigation, debugging, and database tools.

    • Jupyter Notebook: A browser-based IDE suitable for data analysis, machine learning, and prototyping.

      • Popular in the data science community.

      • Supports code cells, inline plots, and Markdown for documentation.

    3. Setting Up Virtual Environments

    Virtual environments allow you to manage project-specific dependencies without affecting your system Python installation.

    Using venv (Built-in Python Module)

  1. Create a virtual environment:

    python3 -m venv myprojectenv

    • Activate the environment:

    • Windows:

      myprojectenv\Scripts\activate

    • MacOS/Linux:

      source myprojectenv/bin/activate

  2. Deactivate when finished:

    deactivate

    Using conda (Anaconda Environment Manager)

    1. Install Anaconda or Miniconda (lighter version of Anaconda).

    2. Create a virtual environment

    conda create --name myprojectenv python=3.10

    1. Activate the environment :

      conda activate myprojectenv

    1. Deactivate:

      conda deactivate

  • Setting up a proper environment will help keep your projects organized and avoid dependency conflicts.

Don't forget to visit the official documentation

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