Python Tutorial 1: A Beginner’s Guide to Installing Python and Writing Your First Program

Python is a widely-used, high-level programming language that is known for its simplicity and readability. It is a versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications, from web development to scientific computing. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing Python on your computer and writing your first Python program.

Step 1: Download Python
The first step in getting started with Python is to download and install the Python interpreter. The Python interpreter is the program that will read and execute your Python code. You can download the latest version of Python from the official Python website (https://www.python.org/downloads/). Make sure to choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).

Step 2: Install Python
Once you have downloaded the Python installer, run it to start the installation process. The installer will guide you through the installation steps, such as selecting the installation directory and configuring the installation options. Make sure to check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" so that you can use Python from the command line.

Step 3: Verify Python Installation
After the installation is complete, you can verify that Python has been installed successfully by opening a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and typing the following command:

python --version

This command will show you the version of Python that is installed on your computer. If you see a version number, then Python has been installed successfully.

Step 4: Write Your First Python Program
Now that Python is installed on your computer, you can start writing your first Python program. Open a text editor (such as Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac) and type the following Python code:

print("Hello, world!")

Save the file with a .py extension (e.g., hello.py) and remember the location where you saved it. Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) and navigate to the directory where you saved the file.

Run the Python program by typing the following command:

python hello.py

You should see the output "Hello, world!" displayed on the screen. Congratulations, you have successfully written and executed your first Python program!

In this tutorial, we have covered the basics of installing Python on your computer and writing your first Python program. Python is a powerful programming language that is widely used in the software development industry. We recommend that you continue exploring Python by reading the official Python documentation and trying out different programming exercises. Happy coding!