Why Use Python?
Python is a widely-used and easy tolearn programming language. It’s great for beginners and experts alike because of its simple, readable syntax and wide range of uses. Whether you want to be a web developer, data scientist, marketer, or analyst, Python can help make it easier to get your job done.
As you jump into your first time coding 🥳 it is easy toget overwhelmed or intimidated by what might seem foreign at first. Just remember that at some point, even the most highly-skilled Python experts were in the same position as you.
Coding in Python may seem foreign, but it’s just a skill like any other. Whether it’s Excel, a new spoken language, or gardening, new skills require time and effort. I always tell people that the most challenging part about coding is not the syntax or logic; it’s putting in the effort to learn and getting over the voice in your head telling you that you’re not good enough. So with that in mind, remember that if anything feels too hard or confusing, that’s OK - keep pushing yourself, and you’ll get it!
Install Python on Your Computer
Installing Python is super simple! Head over to python.org, chooseyour operating system (Mac/Windows/etc.), and click thedownload button to install Python on your computer.
Run Your First Python Program
Now that you’ve installed Python, you’re ready to run your first Python code!
Open up Terminal if you are in Mac OS or Command Prompt if you are in Windows. (If you haven't used Terminal very much yet, feel free to refer to this chapter in our Learn the Command Line on Terminal course fora refresher on opening the program.)
Type inpython, and you should see information about Python come up with a >>>
signaling where to type in your code.
Next, type inprint("hello, world!")and press enter; see what it returns.
Follow along the screencast below to learn more.
You did it! You ran your first Python code. In this screencast, we opened up a terminal, started up a Python console (or shell), and printed out “hello, world” to the console.
As you saw, you can run each line of Python code directly in the terminal. You can also write your code in a separate text editor and then runit using terminal commands. There are many text editors you can use, but a good starter one is Sublime Text.
Check out the following screencast to see how to run Python code saved in a text editor using your terminal.
Tell all your friends you know how to code in Python! 🙌
Level-Up: Work With the Python Shell
Context:
In this very first exercise, you will dive into the world of Python by displaying a message and performing a calculation. It's the perfect starting point for your journey into this programming language!
You will write directly into a Python file named main.py . Then, you can execute this script in VS Code to observe the result.
Instructions:
Use the print function to display the phrase "I learn Python!".
Calculate the result of 17 + 35 * 2 and display the result (You can place the calculation directly within the print function to display it).
Let’s Recap!
Python is a popular language among beginner and expert developers because of its readability and wide range of uses.
The hardest part about coding is pushing yourself to overcome the mental challenges - but you can do it!
You can run a Python script in your terminal directly or in a text editor and run that code.
Now that you’ve successfully installed and run Python code, we’ll go into more specifics on storing data in Python using variables.
FAQs
Stack Overflow has many Python questions and answers. You can post questions and ask for general advice about your code at the r/LearnPython subreddit. If you suspect a bug in the Python core, search the Python Bug Tracker.
How to run the first program in Python? ›
Run Your First Python Program
- Open up Terminal if you are in Mac OS or Command Prompt if you are in Windows. ...
- Type in python , and you should see information about Python come up with a >>> ...
- Next, type in print("hello, world!") and press enter; see what it returns.
It's possible to learn the basics of Python in two weeks of full-time study and practice, but it will likely take more time to gain enough experience working on projects to become truly proficient.
Can I learn Python in 1 week? ›
In general, it takes around two to six months to learn the fundamentals of Python. But you can learn enough to write your first short program in a matter of minutes. Developing mastery of Python's vast array of libraries can take months or years.
What is the best Python code solver? ›
What solution is best to use for Python Code Checker? The most suitable Python Code Checker depends on your particular needs and project requirements. Pylint is well-suited for those who focus on coding standards, while Bandit is great for detecting security issues. Pyflakes excels in checking for errors in code logic.
Is it possible to find a job with Python? ›
Learning Python can open the door to many career opportunities in tech. If you're wondering which jobs you can get knowing Python, the list may surprise you. Python is one of the most popular languages for those interested in pursuing a career in software development.
How do I run Python code for beginners? ›
To run Python Scripts, you can open a command prompt or terminal, navigate to the directory containing the script, and use the command "python script_name.py" (replace "script_name" with the actual filename).
How do I start and run Python? ›
Run Python code
From the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P), select the Python: Start REPL command to open a REPL terminal for the currently selected Python interpreter. In the REPL, you can then enter and run lines of code one at a time.
Is Python enough to get a job? ›
Python alone isn't going to get you a job unless you are extremely good at it. Not that you shouldn't learn it: it's a great skill to have since python can pretty much do anything and coding it is fast and easy. It's also a great first programming language according to lots of programmers.
Is Python easier than Java? ›
Java and Python are two of the most popular programming languages. Of the two, Java is the faster language, but Python is simpler and easier to learn. Each is well-established, platform-independent, and part of a large, supportive community. But that is where the similarities end.
Dedicating 2 hours a day to learning Python is a great start! With consistent effort, you can make visible progress and understand the basics within a few months. Practice regularly and apply what you learn through small projects and coding exercises.
How fast can I learn Python and get a job? ›
How long does it take to learn Python? If you're looking for a general answer, here it is: Learning the Python basics may only take a few weeks. However, if you're pursuing a career as a programmer or data scientist, you can expect it to take four to twelve months to learn enough advanced Python to be job-ready.
Is Python worth learning in 2024? ›
Yes, learning Python is still worth it in 2024. It is a top choice for tech pros, versatile, and in high demand, making it great for your career.
How difficult is Python to learn? ›
Is Python Hard to Learn? As one of the easiest programming languages, Python is super beginner friendly and a great coding language to jumpstart a new career path. With a syntax similar to English, Python is easy to read and understand, making it perfect for anyone new to writing code.
Where can I practice Python code? ›
7 Best Platforms to Practice Python
- Practice Python. If you're a beginner just starting out with Python, you'll find Practice Python helpful. ...
- Edabit. Edabit is a platform that offers a variety of programming challenges for multiple languages, including Python. ...
- CodeWars. ...
- Exercism. ...
- PYnative. ...
- Leetcode. ...
- HackerRank.
In Python, we use the input() function to ask the user for input. As a parameter, we input the text we want to display to the user. Once the user presses “enter,” the input value is returned. We typically store user input in a variable so that we can use the information in our program.
Where can I solve basic Python problems? ›
Solve Python coding problems online with Practice Python on CodeChef. Write code for over 195 Python coding exercises and boost your confidence in programming. Earn certificate after completing all the problems.
Where to get Python interpreter? ›
If you are on Windows, you can download Python from the Microsoft Store and install it as a Python interpreter. Once the Python application is downloaded from the Microsoft Store, it becomes available in the list of the Python executables.
