🐍 Introduction to Python
Module 1 · Topic 3
Installation & Environment Setup
Install Python on any operating system and configure your development environment like a professional.
Theory
Installing Python — Step by Step:
🪟 Windows:
- Go to python.org/downloads
- Download the latest Python 3.x installer (64-bit recommended)
- CRITICAL: Check ✅ "Add Python to PATH" at the bottom of the installer
- Click "Install Now" (or "Customize installation" for advanced options)
- Verify: Open Command Prompt → type
python --version
🍎 macOS:
- macOS comes with Python 2 pre-installed (deprecated) — install Python 3 separately
- Option A: Download from python.org
- Option B (recommended): Use Homebrew →
brew install python3 - Verify: Open Terminal →
python3 --version
🐧 Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv
python3 --version
Essential Tools to Install After Python:
- pip — Python's package manager (comes with Python 3.4+)
- venv — Create isolated project environments
- ipython — Enhanced interactive Python shell
Verifying Your Installation:
python --version # or python3
pip --version # package manager
python -m venv --help # virtual environment support
Setting Up a Virtual Environment (Best Practice):
python -m venv myproject_env # Create
myproject_env\Scripts\activate # Windows
source myproject_env/bin/activate # macOS/Linux
pip install requests pandas # Install packages
deactivate # Exit
Syntax
# Verify installation
python --version
pip --version
# Create virtual environment
python -m venv env_name
# Activate (Windows)
env_name\Scripts\activate
# Activate (macOS/Linux)
source env_name/bin/activate