Downloading and Installing Python on Windows
Step 1: Downloading Python
The first step in using Python is to download it.
To download Python on Windows, follow these steps:
- Go to the official Python website at https://www.python.org/downloads/.
- Click on the “Download Python” button on the homepage.
- Scroll down to “Python Releases for Windows” and choose the appropriate version for your system.
- Select either the 32-bit or 64-bit version depending on your PC specifications.
- After selecting the appropriate version, click on the “Download” button to initiate the download.
Step 2: Running the .exe file
After completing the download, you will need to run the .exe file to start the installation process.
- Locate the downloaded .exe file in your downloads folder.
- Double-click on the file to launch the installation wizard.
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Be sure to select the option to add Python to your system PATH during the installation process.
Step 3: Running a code in Python
After installing Python on your system, you can now use it to run Python code.
- Click on the Windows Start button.
- Type “Python” in the search box.
- Select “Python IDLE” from the list of results to open the Python Integrated Development Environment (IDLE).
- Once you have Python IDLE open, click on File -> New File to open a new window.
- Write or paste the Python code into the new window.
For instance:
print("Hello, World!")
- Save the file by clicking on File -> Save, and give the file a name of your choosing with a .py extension.
- For instance, the name could be “hello.py”.
- To run the code, click on Run -> Run Module.
Using Python IDLE
Python IDLE, or the Python Integrated Development Environment, is a software application that provides programmers with an environment for writing and executing Python code. It comes with pre-installed modules and libraries that make writing code easier.
Finding Python IDLE on Windows
Python IDLE should install alongside Python on your Windows system. To open it, follow the steps below:
- Click on the Windows Start button.
- Type “Python IDLE” in the search bar.
- Select “Python IDLE” from the list of results to open it.
Opening a new file in Python IDLE
Once you have opened Python IDLE, you will see the Python Shell prompt. To open a new file in Python IDLE, follow these steps:
- Click on the File menu.
- Select New File from the drop-down menu.
Writing and saving Python code in Python IDLE
To write and save Python code in Python IDLE, follow these simple steps:
- In Python IDLE, go to File -> New File to open a new file.
- Type in your code or paste it into the file.
- Go to File -> Save to save the file with a name of your choosing, making sure to give the file a .py extension.
- Hit F5 or go to Run -> Run Module to run the code.
Conclusion
Python is a powerful, easy to read, and user-friendly programming language that can be used in a variety of applications. By following the above steps, you can quickly download and install Python on your Windows system and start writing Python code using Python IDLE.
Whether you are a professional developer or just getting started in programming, Python is undoubtedly a fantastic language to learn. In conclusion, this article has provided a comprehensive guide on downloading and installing Python on Windows and using Python IDLE to write and save Python code.
We have outlined the step-by-step process of downloading and installing Python, as well as using Python IDLE to write and save Python code. Our main takeaway is that Python is a versatile programming language that has a clean syntax, is easy to read and write, and can be used for a wide range of applications.
By following these steps, readers can quickly get started with using Python and develop their coding skills. Overall, Python is a fantastic language to learn for both professional developers and beginners, and we hope this article has been helpful in getting started.