Getting started with Python

= Short url for this page: http://bit.ly/python-getting-started =

= Tonight's event code: pp0208 =

= Picking a Python tutorial =


 * If you have prior programming experience, we recommend going through the official python.org tutorial, starting here.
 * If you have no prior programming experience, we recommend getting your feet wet with Python by completing the goals below, and then going through Think Python.

= Goal #1: Install Python =

This section has instructions for installing Python and running Python from a command prompt.


 * Windows
 * OS X
 * Linux

= Goal #2: prepare a text editor =

In addition to being able to run Python, we want to have good text editor for writing Python code. If you have a preferred text editor for writing code, feel free to skip this step!


 * Windows
 * OS X
 * Linux

= Goal #3: practice starting and exiting Python =

Most tutorials will have you do a lot of learning and practicing at a Python prompt (this is "interactive" because you are typing the code and hitting enter to run it yourself, instead of running it from a file). So let's practice starting and exiting Python:


 * Windows
 * OS X
 * Linux

= Goal #4: start learning Python! =

It's time to start learning, reading, and writing some Python! This material will position you well for working through a full-fledged tutorial.

Click here to start the tutorial