Python is an interpreted, general-purpose programming language. For interpreted language, it means that the Python codes are converted into bytecode, which is executed by the Python virtual machine. You can simply use the basic Python interpreter to run your code with the command line. For instance, you type “print('Hello New York')” and hit Enter. It will show “Hello New York” on the next line.
>>> print('Hello New York')
Hello New York
Congratulations! You are a Python programmer now!
How to Get Started Programming Python
Method 1: Simple Setup Python by just Using Thonny
One of the most beginner-friendly options is to use Thonny as it combines both the core Python and an IDE. Thus, you can just download and setup it, and then you are good to go. Another bonus point is that this software size is not very big. You can visit thonny.org and download the software.
After downloading it, you only need 4 steps to start programming.
- Step 1: Type
print("Hello New York") - Step 2: Hit the run button. There will be a pop up window asking you to save it as file.
- Step 3: You save it as “HelloNY.py.”
- Step 4: You can see the output of “
Hello New York.”
Method 2: Slightly More Complicated One
Step 1: Download Python Interpreter
You can download Python the Python interpreter on Python.org/downloads/ for free. Depending on your operating system, you need to download the corresponding version of the Python interpreter.
After that, you can just set it up without changing any default values.
Step 2: Download PyCharm
PyCharm is an Integrated development environment (IDE), which is a development environment. By using PyCharm, you don’t have to work from the cmd terminal, which is not very user-friendly. With an IDE like PyCharm, you can set up a project, work with multiple Python files, and even connect with Github or other external services. Thus, you probably want to set up an IDE on your computer.
You can download PyCharm by visiting this webpage https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/. You can just download the free version, namely the Community version, which is more than enough for a beginner. After that, you will see a typical programming environment. Note that, you need to download and set up the Python interpreter before running Pycharm, as Pycharm is running on the top of the Python interpreter.
In the PyCharm, you can have a simple hello NY.py file and hit the run button on the top menu. You will then see the output of “hello New York” in the window below.
