Setup
Setting up Python is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to get Python installed on your system.
1. Download the Python Installer
Go to the official Python website at python.org. Navigate to the “Downloads” section. The website will automatically detect your operating system and recommend the correct version. Download the latest stable release of Python. It’s usually the one with the highest version number that isn’t a pre-release (e.g., 3.12.0).
2. Verify the Installation
After the installation is finished, open your command line or terminal. You can do this by searching for “Command Prompt” (Windows) or “Terminal” (macOS/Linux).
Type the following command and press Enter:
python –version
or for some systems:
python3 –version
If the installation was successful, you should see the version number of Python that you just installed (e.g., Python 3.12.0).
3. Install a Code Editor (Recommended)
While you can write Python code in a basic text editor, using a dedicated code editor or Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is highly recommended. These tools provide features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and debugging.
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A popular, free, and lightweight code editor from Microsoft. It’s a great choice for beginners and professionals alike.
- PyCharm: A powerful IDE specifically designed for Python development. The free “Community Edition” is excellent for getting started.
Download and install your preferred code editor. Once installed, you can open your Python files in it to start coding.
Python basics with examples from Nixon Kurian are available here -> https://gist.github.com/fizznix/3c089022552a6db5c7cdca6043b10b7d
This page is a part of the companion pages for my book Agentic AI Demystified. The other pages are available here.