Introduction to Python: How to Install Python and PyCharm
On my journey as a software developer, I’ve been constantly trying to learn new things and expand my knowledge. I recently decided to learn Python because it is a very relevant language and many companies have included it in their stack. In addition to its relevancy, the syntax and implementation of the language is not very difficult, which makes it much easier to learn.
To help get you started on your Python journey, I wanted to create a step by step guide to installing Python on your computer and also downloading PyCharm as a text editor to use for writing code. Let’s get started!
Installing Python
First, you want to start by installing Python on your computer by going to www.python.org/downloads/. The page should look like this:
If you click on the button indicated by the arrow, your Python download will begin. However, please note that the download is for Mac OS X, so if you are using a different operating system (Windows, Linux/UNIX, etc.), please refer to the links below the button, which I have circled in the image.
Once you get the download for the Python Installer, follow the instructions on your computer to download Python on your hard drive.
Once the download is complete, you will have successfully installed Python to your computer! Now, let’s download a text editor, PyCharm, where we can write our code and start learning the language of Python!
Installing PyCharm
There are a multitude of different text editors that will allow you to code in Python. But PyCharm is a text editor that is specific to the language of Python, which is also known as an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). It is just more pointed and dedicated to the Python language and will suggest edits and tips to your Python code.
To begin download, first we’ll go to www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/ to download our IDE. The page will look something like this:
Once you click the download button, you will be taken to the page below.
Click the download button for the Community version, which I’ve circled and pointed to in the image above. This is the open source version and you will not need to pay for it. If you are using an operating system other than Mac OS X, please change the download you are using by updating the operating system choices under the “Download PyCharm” header.
Once you click the download, you will be directed to the page above and your download of the installer will begin, as indicated by the download on the bottom of my browser. If you are using a Mac, your system will ask you to download the program and you will see something like this.
As stated on the window, drag the PyCharm logo into your Applications folder. Once the download is completed, you will see PyCharm downloaded and listed in your Applications.
When you open up PyCharm for the first time, JetBrains will ask you to read through their Privacy Policy and confirm that you have read and accepted the terms of their user agreement.
Once you have confirmed, you will finally be able to begin writing in Python!
Conclusion
Now that you have installed Python and a text editor, PyCharm, you are ready to start learning and writing in Python! It is an exciting journey to be a Dev especially when there is constantly so many new technologies to learn! If you’re just starting out like me, I recommend you start with Tech with Tim or Free Code Camp. They are both great places to start if you are trying to learn Python! If you go back to python.org, it has great documentation on the language that will also be a great resource as your learning. There is so much out there that if none of these are your speed, you will definitely find something. I hope this was helpful and I will see you next week!