Are you ready to delve into the world of developing or programming? Python is a great choice to get started. But what exactly is Python, and why is it so popular in programming courses? Let’s look into the programming language to find out.

Python was created in 1991. It is a programming language that is easy to use and dynamic. Programmers from all over the world adopted it quickly and it still remains popular today.

Python is the most sought-out programming language on the web, and experts predict that its popularity is not going to fade away any time soon. So, if you’re looking to join this wave, there is no time like the present.

What Is Python Used For?

The programming language is primarily used for;

  • Web development; you can create web applications by using a server.
  • Carrying out mathematical operations; you can use this application for those complex mathematical problems.
  • Developing high-quality software.
  • System scripting for automating task execution.

Why Use Python?

Why is everyone gaga for Python? Why do people still use it twenty years later? Here are some reasons for you to consider;

  • It is compatible with different operating systems (Linux, macOS, Windows, etc.)
  • The simple syntax of the language makes it user-friendly.
  • As soon as you write the code in Python, it is executed, making prototyping quicker and more efficient.
  • Due to the simple syntax, developers can make do with lesser lines compared to other programming languages.

Installing Python on Your Computer

Now that you have a basic grasp of what exactly Python is and how it can prove to be beneficial to you, it is time to get you set up. Remember how we mentioned that the program can run on multiple platforms? We weren’t kidding!

We will cover how to download Python on your computer with respect to the operating system you use.

How to Install Python on Windows

Windows users can follow these steps to install Python on their computer;

  • Go to the official Python website and open the tab for downloading the program for Windows.
  • Select the version of Python you need. We recommend installing the latest stable version.
  • Click “Download Windows embeddable package”. Choose either the 32-bit or 64-bit based on your windows system.
  • After installing the downloader, open it and run the program.
  • On the prompt, select the option “Install for all users”.
  • Click the “Customize Installation” option.
  • Check all the optional features and click next.
  • You will see an “Advanced Options” window. Here you may select the options: “Create shortcuts for installed applications” and “Associate files with Python”.
  • Click on “Install” and wait for the program to finish installing.
  • After the installation finishes, a prompt for successful installation will show up on your screen.
  • Verify the installation.
  • Start developing!

Here is a quick video from ProgrammingKnowledge Youtube Channel that explains thoroughly how to install python on windows.

How to Install Python on Linux

If you use Linux, follow these steps to install Python;

  • Install the required development packages to build Python.
  • Open the official Python website on your browser and click on “Downloads” from the menu at the top of your screen.
  • Click “Other platforms” from the menu.
  • Navigate to the Python for Linux option.
  • Download the latest stable version available.
  • A tarball (.tar.xz file) with the source code for Python will appear.
  • Extract the tarball ($ tar -xf Python-3.?.?.tar.xz).
  • Configure the script and execute it on your Linux ($ cd Python-3.*./configure).
  • Wait for the configuration to finish.
  • Begin the build process if you have an existing version of Python ($ sudo make altinstall).
  • Verify the installation (python3 --version).
  • Begin developing!

How to Install Python on Mac

To install Python on your Mac, follow these steps;

  • Open the official Python website on your browser and navigate to the versions available for Macintosh.
  • Download the relevant installer package. We recommend downloading the latest stable package for Python.
  • Once downloaded, open the package to start the installation of Python.
  • Follow the steps provided in the installation wizard. The default settings work well for most people.
  • You might have to verify your installation by entering your Mac password.
  • A folder for Python will appear on your window once the installation is complete.
  • Open the program and verify it.
  • Start developing!

Here is a quick video from Whiteboard Fundamentals Youtube Channel that explains thoroughly how to install python on a mac.

Conclusion

Python is a versatile programming language with uses across many industries such as data science, web development, and app development. Due to the user-friendly and simple syntax, Python is popular amongst programmers. It makes sense you would want to try tinkering with it as well.

We hope you found the instructions for installing Python mentioned in this article helpful. If you have any suggestions, share them in the comments below.