When installing and running Python on your computer, this comprehensive article has you covered. Learn the step-by-step process, including downloading Python, setting up the environment, and executing your first Python program. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, this guide provides the essential information to start Python quickly and efficiently. Get ready to unlock the power of Python on your computer today!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Python is a versatile and widely-used programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It was created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. Python emphasizes code readability and uses indentation and whitespace rather than braces, making it easy to write and understand.
Python is an interpreted language that does not need to be compiled before running. This makes it highly interactive and suitable for rapid application development, scripting, and prototyping. It has gained immense popularity among programmers and is widely used in various domains, including web development, data analysis, scientific computing, artificial intelligence, and automation.
Installation of Python in Windows
To check if Python is already installed in Windows – In Windows PC, either press the Windows key to search Python, or search cmd or search Windows PowerShell and run the following code on the Command Line:
Type Python in the search section to check, if Python is installed –

If Python is installed, you will see the Python version number displayed in the output. For example, it might look like “Python 3.9.1” or a similar version number. This indicates that Python is installed and accessible from the command line.
Note: If Python is not installed, you can download it from python.org.
Check with Windows PowerShell
Type Windows PowerShell in the search section to check, if Python is installed –
Now write the following code in Windows PowerShell
python or python --version or python -V

If Python is installed, you will see the Python version number displayed in the output. For example, it might look like “Python 3.9.1” or a similar version number.
Check with Command Prompt
Type cmd in the search section to check, if Python is installed –
Now write the following code in cmd –
python --version or python -V

If Python is installed, you will see the Python version number displayed in the output. For example, it might look like “Python 3.9.1” or a similar version number.
Installation of Python on Mac
To check if Python is already installed on Mac – In MacOS, open the Terminal and type:
python --version
#output
$ python --version
Python 3.9.1
Note: Python version 2 is no longer in support in Mac since Jan 1. 2020. Therefore only Python version 3.0 or more can be installed.
Installation of Python in Linux
For Python Version 3
To check if Python is already installed in Linux – In Linux, open the command line and type:
python3

If Python is installed, you will see the Python version number displayed in the output. For example, it might look like “Python 3.8.2” or a similar version number.
If Python is not installed, then write the following code in the terminal –
$ sudo apt-get install python3
After it, you will see Python is installed. Now let’s check again.
To check Python Version, type the following code –
python3 --version

If Python is installed, you will see the Python version number displayed in the output. For example, it might look like “Python 3.8.2” or a similar version number.
Note: Python has different versions and carries some changes in them. In Python, some codes work on their specific version, so be careful regarding its version.
Conclusion
This article provided a comprehensive guide on installing Python on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. It emphasized the importance of Python as a versatile programming language used in various domains.
It started by explaining the steps to install Python on Windows, including downloading the installer from the official Python website and running the installer. It also highlighted the importance of selecting the correct Python version for your operating system.
The article concluded by mentioning the importance of verifying the installation by checking the Python version in the command line and ensuring that Python is accessible.
Overall, the Python Installation Guide on Windows, Linux, and Mac provided readers with a clear and concise set of instructions to install Python on their preferred operating system successfully. It equipped them with the necessary knowledge to get started with Python programming.