Python Installation

Before we get into learning Python, we need to have a Python interpreter on your systems, and in this article, we will look at the step by step process for Python installation on Windows

Python Installation for Windows

Here is the step-by-step process to install Python on Windows, Linux & MAC. However, before you take a look at it, check if Python is already installed in your system by any chance.

a) To check that on a Windows system, either search for Python on the start bar or give the below command in the command prompt window.

C:UsersUser Name>python --version

(Python — version is the only line you need to enter. The initial part of the above command will be shown by default in the command prompt.)

If we find Python is not installed, then we follow the following steps to do:

• Go to the downloads section on the official website of Python — https://www.python.org/downloads/. There you will see the latest version of Python available for download. Click on the download option.
• Once it gets downloaded, double click to run it. Then you will see a dialog box as shown below. Now click on “Install Now”. Also, make sure you tick the ‘Add Python 3.X to Path”.

• That’s all. Python 3.X.X or whatever version you chose is now available on your system. Go to the start menu, search for it, and then get started with using it.

Do I need another IDE for Python?

Yes. This basic Python IDE you have installed using the above-given steps is not the ideal IDE when you want to work with multiple files and hence you can choose to install any other IDE. We recommend PyCharm IDE & the steps for installation of PyCharm are given below.

Step 1: Go to the PyCharm website using this link — https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/#section=windows and you will see the below screen. Now click on the highlighted download option.

Step 2: Once it gets downloaded, then double-click on it to run the program. Now follow this: Next -> Next -> Then select 32/64 bit launcher and also tick .py under creating associations as shown below.

Step 3: Now click on Next -> Finish -> Choose the theme of your choice -> Now get started with creating your own projects on PyCharm.

That’s all it takes for Python installation and Pycharm installation.