Python is one of the most popular programming languages in use today. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, at some point, you’ll need to install Python on your computer.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing Python on Windows and macOS operating systems. You’ll learn about different installation methods, checking for the Python version, and the steps involved in each installation.
Installing Python on Windows
Windows users have several options for installing Python. The easiest way is to use the Python package available on the Microsoft Store.
If the Microsoft Store package is not your preference, you can download and install the full installer from the official Python website. Alternatively, you can use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which enables users to run Linux distributions, including Python.
Checking Python Version on Windows
Before we jump into the installation process, let’s check if Python is already installed on your Windows PC. Open PowerShell or command prompt and type python –version.
This command will display the Python version installed on your computer.
Installation Methods
There are three installation methods available for Windows users: Microsoft Store package, full installer, and Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Installing From Microsoft Store
To install Python from the Microsoft Store package, navigate to the Python App Page on the Microsoft Store, and click Get. Once installed, you can open Python from the Start menu.
Installing From Full Installer
To install Python from the full installer, visit the Python.org Downloads page, select a version, and the appropriate installer for your operating system. Run the installer, choose the install location, and select the components you want to install.
You can also customize the installation by selecting specific options.
Windows Subsystem for Linux Installation
Users wanting to install Python using WSL can check Microsoft documentation for a step-by-step guide. WSL enables users to run a Linux distribution alongside their Windows operating system.
Once Ubuntu or another Linux distribution has been installed, Python can be installed from the package manager of that Linux distribution.
Installing Python on macOS
Now that we’ve covered installing Python on Windows, let’s move on to macOS. Mac users can install Python using the official installer from the Python website or using Homebrew, a package manager for macOS.
Checking Python Version on macOS
To check the current Python version on macOS, open the Terminal application, type python –version, and press Enter.
Installation Methods
Users have two installation options: the official Python installer and Homebrew.
Installing From Official Installer
To install Python from the official installer, visit the Python.org Downloads page, select a version, and click the macOS installer link. Follow the installation prompts, accept the software license agreement, choose the install destination, and click Install Certificates to continue installation.
Installing using Homebrew
To install Python using Homebrew, first install Homebrew, then run the command `brew install python`.
Conclusion
In this article, weve covered the various ways to install Python on Windows and macOS. Regardless of your preference, theres a way to install Python that meets your specific needs.
Try a few installation methods to find out which one works best for you. Happy coding!
Installing Python on Linux
Linux is a platform widely used among developers and programmers worldwide. Installing Python on a Linux operating system is easy and straightforward.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the installation process of Python on various popular Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, openSUSE, CentOS, Fedora, Arch Linux, and building from the source code.
Checking Python Version on Linux
Before installing Python on your Linux machine, you need to check if Python is already installed and its version number. Open a terminal window and type `python –version` in Ubuntu and Debian.
In openSUSE, type `python3 –version.` In CentOS and Fedora, type `sudo python –version.`
Installation Methods
There are several ways to install Python on Linux, including using the package manager, building from the source code or using a third-party package manager like Anaconda. Let’s look at each method in detail.
Ubuntu and Linux Mint Installation
Ubuntu and Linux Mint both use apt as their package manager. To install Python, open a terminal window and type `sudo apt-get update` and `sudo apt-get install python3`.
This command will update the package manager (if necessary) and install the latest version of Python on your machine.
Debian Linux Installation
To install Python on Debian, open a terminal window and type `sudo apt-get update` followed by `sudo apt-get install python3`. This command installs the latest version of Python on your machine.
openSUSE Installation
openSUSE uses zypper as the default package manager. Open a terminal window and type `sudo zypper install python3.` The command will install the latest version of Python on your machine.
CentOS and Fedora Installation
CentOS and Fedora use dnf as their package manager. Open a terminal window and type `sudo dnf install python3.` This command installs the latest version of Python on your machine.
Arch Linux Installation
Arch Linux uses pacman as the default package manager. To install Python, open a terminal window and type `sudo pacman -S python`.
This command will install Python on your machine.
Building from the Source Code
For advanced users, building from the source code is an option. Start by downloading the source code from the official Python website, extract the files and navigate to the extracted folder.
Run the following commands in the terminal:
“`
$ ./configure
$ make
$ sudo make install
“`
This command will configure the installation, build Python, and finally install it on your machine.
Installing Python on Mobile Devices
Python can also be installed on mobile devices like iPhones and Android smartphones. Let’s look at each method in detail.
Installing on iOS
To install Python on an iOS device, you need to use a third-party app since the official Python app is not available on the App Store. One such app is Pyto, which allows you to run Python code directly on your iOS device.
You can download the Pyto app directly from the developer’s website. Alternatively, you can join the Pyto TestFlight program, which will allow you to access the beta version of the app.
Installing on Android
QPython and Pydroid are two popular apps that enable users to run Python code on Android devices. You can download either app from the Google Play Store.
Once installed, you can open the app and start using Python on your device.
Conclusion
Installing Python on various operating systems is a simple and straightforward process. Regardless of your operating system, you have several installation options to consider.
Choose the installation method that works best for you and get started with writing Python code on your device.
Online Python Interpreters
Online Python interpreters provide users with the ability to code and test Python programs without installing Python locally. These web-based platforms allow users to write, run, and debug Python code entirely in their web browsers.
Some popular online Python interpreters include Repl.it, Ideone.com, CodeBunk.com, and Trinket.io. Repl.it
Repl.it is a popular online IDE that supports multiple programming languages, including Python.
It features an easy-to-use interface that allows users to code and run Python programs directly in their web browser. Repl.it also supports collaborative coding, making it easy to pair program with other developers in real-time.
With Repl.it, users have quick access to Python libraries and the ability to import external scripts to their code. Ideone.com
Ideone.com is a comprehensive online code editor that supports a variety of programming languages.
It allows users to run their Python programs online immediately, and it even has a feature that lets users save and share their code with others. Ideone.com permits users to execute Python programs with debugging features, allowing users to identify and fix errors in their code quickly.
CodeBunk.com
CodeBunk.com is another excellent online coding platform that supports Python and other programming languages. It provides a live share feature that allows users to share code and collaborate with others in real-time.
Besides, CodeBunk.com has support for unit testing, making it easy to verify that your code works correctly. The platform also provides users with the ability to debug their Python programs in-browser.
Trinket.io
Trinket.io is a beginner-friendly online platform that allows users to build and run Python programs entirely in their web browser. It features an intuitive code editor that can be used to write Python programs with ease.
Trinket.io’s visual debugger helps users to identify and fix problems in their code. It also has a variety of ready-to-use Python projects and library integrations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Python is an invaluable programming language that almost anyone can learn. It is widely used in various fields, including web development, artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning.
Installing Python on your machine can be done on several operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and it provides the user with the flexibility to create and execute Python applications offline. Online Python interpreters, like Repl.it, Ideone.com, CodeBunk.com, and Trinket.io, offer an alternative to installing and running Python locally.
It makes it easy for anyone with an internet connection to code and test Python programs. Online interpreters also provide features like debugging, collaboration, and preloaded Python libraries, making it an excellent option for students, teachers, and beginners who want to practice coding.
Overall, this article explored the various ways to install Python on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. For each OS, we covered different installation methods, ways to check for the Python version, and the steps involved in each installation.
Additionally, we discussed online Python interpreters, including Repl.it, Ideone.com, CodeBunk.com, and Trinket.io, which provide an alternative to installing and running Python on a local machine. It’s crucial to note that Python is an invaluable programming language that is widely used across different fields, including web development, artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning.
Learning to program in Python is an excellent skill for beginners and experienced developers alike. With these installation methods and online interpreters, you can easily get started with Python programming.