Setting Up Python (Overview)

David Amos
Python Basics: Setting Up Python David Amos 02:12
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Setting up Python is the first step to becoming a Python programmer. In this course, you’ll learn how to download and install Python for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu Linux and how to open Python’s Integrated Development and Learning Environment, IDLE.

There are many ways to install Python. You can download official Python distributions from Python.org, install from a package manager, and even install specialized distributions for scientific computing, Internet of Things, and embedded systems. This course focuses on official distributions, as they’re generally the best option for getting started with learning to program in Python.

This course can be enjoyed alone or as an accompaniment to Python Basics: A Practical Introduction to Python 3.

In this course, you’ll learn how to:

  • Install Python on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Open IDLE, Python’s integrated development and learning environment

This course is targeted to students, self-learners, and absolute beginners using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu Linux. This course is not about creating a professional Python development environment or installing Python on other operating systems. For full instructions on setting up a professional Python development environment or for installing Python on other operating systems, check out Real Python’s Python 3 Installation & Setup Guide.

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00:00 Welcome to Python Basics: Setting Up Python. My name is David Amos and I’ll be your guide. In this course, you’ll learn how to download and install Python on three of the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu Linux.

00:17 You’ll also learn how to open IDLE, Python’s Integrated Development and Learning Environment.

00:24 This course follows along with material from the book Python Basics: A Practical Introduction to Python 3 by myself, Dan Bader, Joanna Jablonski, and Fletcher Heisler.

00:35 The book is not required to complete this video course or any of the other videos in the Python Basics series but does contain more material than you’ll see in these videos.

00:44 The Python Basics book is available as an ebook from Real Python or as a paperback on Amazon. You can visit pythonbasicsbook.com for more information.

00:55 This course is focused on learning to code in Python. It’s targeted to students, self-learners, and absolute beginners. This course is not about creating a professional Python development environment.

01:08 That means it isn’t a great fit for folks that are professional developers. For full instructions on setting up a professional Python development environment, check out Real Python’s Python 3 Installation & Setup Guide.

01:21 You can find the link to that article in this video’s description.

01:26 This course works a little bit differently than other courses on Real Python. You’ll only need to watch the video lesson that corresponds to your operating system. Of course, if you’d like to see how to install Python on other operating systems, then you’re welcome to watch all of the other lessons.

01:41 The three operating systems covered in this course are some of the most popular operating systems for personal computers, but if you only have access to something like an Android tablet or phone, then you won’t be able to follow along with the course.

01:53 But all hope is not lost. You can find instructions for other operating systems in Real Python’s Python 3 Installation & Setup Guide. That link is available in this video’s description.

02:04 So find the video for your operating system to start setting up Python on your computer. I’ll see you in the next lesson!

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