Python Basics — Installation & Setup

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Installation & Setup

Before you can write Python code, you need Python installed on your computer. This guide covers installation on all major platforms.

Check If Python Is Already Installed

Open your terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows) and type:

python --version

Or on some systems:

python3 --version

Expected output:

Python 3.12.1

If you see Python 3.10 or higher, you’re good to go! Skip to the REPL Walkthrough section.

Installing Python on Windows

  1. Go to python.org/downloads
  2. Click “Download Python 3.x.x” (the big yellow button)
  3. Run the installer
  4. Important: Check the box ✅ “Add Python to PATH” — this is critical
  5. Click “Install Now”

Option 2: Microsoft Store

  1. Open the Microsoft Store
  2. Search for “Python”
  3. Install the latest Python 3.x version

Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt (cmd) or PowerShell:

python --version

Python 3.12.1

pip --version

pip 23.3.1 from C:\Users\you\...\pip (python 3.12)

Installing Python on macOS

If you have Homebrew installed:

brew install python

Option 2: Python.org

  1. Go to python.org/downloads/macos
  2. Download the macOS installer
  3. Run the .pkg file and follow the prompts

Verify Installation

python3 --version

Python 3.12.1

Note: On macOS, you typically use python3 and pip3 (not python and pip) because macOS may have an older Python 2 pre-installed.

Installing Python on Linux

Ubuntu / Debian

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-venv

Fedora / RHEL / CentOS

sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip

Using pyenv (Advanced — Any Linux Distro)

pyenv lets you install and manage multiple Python versions:

curl https://pyenv.run | bash
pyenv install 3.12.1
pyenv global 3.12.1

Verify Installation

python3 --version

Python 3.12.1

pip3 --version

pip 23.3.1 from /usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/pip (python 3.12)

The Python REPL

REPL stands for Read-Eval-Print Loop. It’s an interactive Python shell where you type code and see results immediately.

Starting the REPL

python3

Output:

Python 3.12.1 (main, Dec  7 2024, 00:00:00)
[GCC 13.2.0] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

The >>> prompt means Python is waiting for your input.

Try It Out

>>> 2 + 3
5
>>> "Hello" + " " + "World"
'Hello World'
>>> len("Python")
6
>>> type(42)
<class 'int'>

Exiting the REPL

>>> exit()

Or press Ctrl + D (macOS/Linux) or Ctrl + Z then Enter (Windows).

Verifying pip

pip is Python’s package manager — you’ll use it to install third-party libraries. It comes bundled with Python 3.4+.

pip3 --version

pip 23.3.1 from /usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/pip (python 3.12)

Quick pip Test

pip3 install requests

Successfully installed requests-2.31.0

If this works, pip is set up correctly. We’ll learn more about pip in the Modules & Packages chapter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem Solution
python: command not found Use python3 instead, or add Python to your PATH
pip: command not found Use pip3 instead, or run python3 -m pip
Wrong Python version Use pyenv to manage multiple versions
Permission denied Use pip3 install --user package or use a virtual environment
SSL certificate errors Update your system certificates or reinstall Python

Summary

  • Download Python 3.10+ from python.org
  • Windows users: Always check ✅ “Add Python to PATH”
  • macOS users: Use python3 and pip3
  • The Python REPL lets you test code interactively
  • pip is the package manager — verify it works with pip3 --version

Next up: Your First Program →

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