Install python

Since Python is cross-platform, it can run on Windows, macOS, and various Linux/Unix systems. A Python program written on Windows can also run seamlessly on Linux.

To start learning Python programming, you first need to install Python on your computer. After installation, you will get a Python interpreter (which is responsible for running Python programs), a command-line interactive environment, and a simple integrated development environment (IDE).

Install Python 3

Currently, there are two versions of Python: 2.x and 3.x, which are incompatible with each other. As the 3.x version is becoming increasingly popular, our tutorial will be based on the latest Python 3.x release. Please ensure that the Python version installed on your computer is the latest 3.x, so you can follow this tutorial without any compatibility issues.

Install Python on Windows

There are two methods to install Python on Windows:

Method 1

You can directly download the Windows installer for Python 3 from the official Python website. We recommend downloading the Windows installer (64-bit). Then run the downloaded python-3.x-amd64.exe installation package:

Important note: Make sure to check the box for “Add Python 3.x to PATH”, then click “Install Now” to complete the installation.

Method 2

First, install a package manager (we recommend Scoop), then install Python via the following command in PowerShell:

C:> scoop install python

Install Python on macOS

If you are using a Mac, the system comes with Python 2.x pre-installed. To install the latest Python 3.x, there are two methods:

Method 1

Download the macOS installer for Python 3 from the official Python website, then double-click the downloaded file to run and install it.

Method 2

If you have the Homebrew package manager installed, simply run the command brew install python3 to install Python 3.

Install Python on Linux

If you are using Linux, we assume you have Linux system administration experience and can install Python 3 on your own. If not, please switch back to the Windows system.

For the majority of users who are still using Windows and have no plans to switch to a Mac in the short term, you can continue reading the following content.

Run Python

Note

The command to run Python is python3 on Linux/macOS, and python on Windows. Please select the appropriate command based on your operating system for subsequent steps.

After successful installation, open a command-line window (PowerShell on Windows) and type python. Two scenarios may occur:

Scenario 1

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Windows PowerShell                                 - □ x │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│Windows PowerShell                                       │
│Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.│
│                                                         │
│PS C:Usersliaoxuefeng> python                          │
│Python 3.13 ...                                          │
│Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for ... │
│>>> _                                                    │
│                                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

If you see output similar to “Python 3.x”, it means Python is installed successfully!

When the prompt changes to >>>, it indicates you have entered the Python interactive environment. You can type any Python code here, and the execution result will be displayed immediately after pressing Enter. Now, type exit() and press Enter to exit the Python interactive environment (you can also simply close the command-line window).

Scenario 2

You receive an error: “The term ‘python’ is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program.”

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│Windows PowerShell                                 - □ x │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│Windows PowerShell                                       │
│Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.│
│                                                         │
│PS C:Usersliaoxuefeng> python                          │
│python : The term 'python' is not recognized as ...      │
│...                                                      │
│    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException   │
│                                                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

This error occurs because Windows searches for python.exe in the paths specified by the Path environment variable. If it cannot be found, an error is thrown. If you missed checking “Add Python 3.x to PATH” during installation, you need to manually add the path of python.exe to the Path variable.

If you do not know how to modify environment variables, we recommend re-running the Python installer and making sure to check the box for “Add Python 3.x to PATH”.

Summary

Learn how to install Python on your computer, and master opening and exiting the Python interactive environment proficiently;
To run Python on Windows, launch the PowerShell command line first, then run the python command;
To run Python on macOS and Linux, open the Terminal, then run the python3 command;
To exit the Python interactive environment, type exit() at the >>> prompt and press Enter to confirm.

Python for beginner

Curriculum

Install python

Install Python 3

Install Python on Windows

Method 1

Method 2

Install Python on macOS

Method 1

Method 2

Install Python on Linux

Run Python

Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Summary

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