- Install Python 3 from python.org.
- Choose an IDE like PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, or IDLE.
- Learn basics using free tutorials from Official Python Tutorial, GeeksforGeeks, or FreeCodeCamp.
- Practice coding and get help from communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/learnpython.
As a beginner, start by downloading and installing Python 3 from python.org, as it's the latest and most widely used version. Next, choose an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) or text editor to write your code. Popular options include PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, and IDLE, which comes bundled with Python and is great for starters.
Dive into learning with free, beginner-friendly tutorials. The Official Python Tutorial is a great starting point, offering a comprehensive guide. Alternatively, check out GeeksforGeeks for structured lessons or FreeCodeCamp for a detailed handbook. These resources cover everything from basics to advanced topics.
Practice by writing simple programs and experimenting with code, using in-browser coding sites or your chosen IDE. If you get stuck, join online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/learnpython for help and support. As you progress, explore advanced topics like data structures and functions to deepen your skills.
This guide aims to provide a thorough overview for individuals new to programming, focusing on initiating their journey with Python. Python, created by Guido van Rossum in 1990, is renowned for its accessibility to non-programmers and its low learning curve, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It runs on multiple platforms, including Mac, Linux, and Windows, and is widely used in fields like AI, data science, and web development.
The first step is to install Python 3, as it is the current standard, with versions like 3.13.1 recently updated. Installation is generally straightforward, with detailed instructions available at python.org. For Windows users, ensure to check the installation with python3 -V in the terminal. Mac and Linux users might find Python pre-installed, but updating to Python 3 is recommended, as older systems may have Python 2.
| Step | Details | Resources/URLs |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Understand Python | Read a short explanation of what Python is. | BeginnersGuide/Overview |
| 2. Install Python | Install Python 3 interpreter (ensure updated version, as Mac/Linux may have Python 2). | BeginnersGuide/Download |
| 3. Choose IDE/Editor | Consider Thonny or other options like IDLE (bundled with Python, supports extensions). | Thonny: http://thonny.org, IDLE: https://docs.python.org/3/library/idle.html, IntegratedDevelopmentEnvironments, HowToEditPythonCode, PythonEditors |
| 4. Learn Python | Read a tutorial, try experiments, use in-browser coding sites, print a cheat sheet. | Cheat sheet: https://blog.finxter.com/python-cheat-sheet/, Tutorial: http://docs.python.org/tut/, Library Reference: http://docs.python.org//lib/, Language Reference: http://docs.python.org/ref/ |
| 5. Run Programs (Windows) | If using Windows, learn how to run a program. | http://www.python.org/doc/faq/windows/#how-do-i-run-a-python-program-under-windows |
| 6. Get Help | Use mailing lists, newsgroups, ChatGPT/AI, books, examples, training courses, or EDU-SIG. | Help: BeginnersGuide/Help, Books: IntroductoryBooks, Examples: BeginnersGuide/Examples, Events: PythonEvents, Training: PythonTraining, EDU-SIG: http://www.python.org/sigs/edu-sig/ |
| 7. Find Modules/Apps | Search Python Package Index, python.org, Google, or post to comp.lang.python. | Package Index: http://pypi.python.org/pypi, Search: http://www.python.org/search/, Google: http://www.google.com |
Choosing an IDE or text editor is crucial for a smooth coding experience. Options include PyCharm, known for its robust features, Visual Studio Code for its versatility, and IDLE, which is bundled with Python and supports extensions. Thonny is also recommended for beginners, available at http://thonny.org.
Learning Python involves engaging with various resources. The Official Python Tutorial covers basics and offers a tour of the language and standard library, ideal for a quick start. GeeksforGeeks provides a structured tutorial, updated for Python 3.13.1, with sections on fundamentals, functions, data structures, and more, including a compiler for direct coding. FreeCodeCamp offers a detailed handbook, downloadable as a PDF, covering syntax, variables, types, and advanced topics like classes and exceptions.
For non-English speakers, python.org lists non-English resources, enhancing accessibility. Additional platforms like Real Python (realpython.com) and pythonbasics.org provide in-depth tutorials with exercises, catering to different learning styles.
Practice is essential, and beginners are encouraged to write simple programs, such as printing "Hello, World!" or basic calculations. In-browser coding sites like Dataquest (dataquest.io) and Genepy offer free, interactive exercises. The syntax is clean, using new lines instead of semicolons and indentation for scope, which is surprisingly easy to grasp compared to languages like C++.
Getting help is facilitated through communities. Stack Overflow and Reddit's r/learnpython are vibrant forums for asking questions. The official guide also mentions mailing lists, newsgroups, and EDU-SIG at http://www.python.org/sigs/edu-sig/ for educational support. Books listed at IntroductoryBooks and examples at BeginnersGuide/Examples provide further learning materials.
As confidence builds, explore advanced topics. GeeksforGeeks covers data science, AI, and web development, with specific links like Data Science with Python and Web Development with Python. FreeCodeCamp details list comprehensions, lambda functions, and file handling, providing a comprehensive learning path.
This guide, derived from multiple authoritative sources, ensures beginners can break the ice with Python, leveraging its simplicity and extensive community support for a successful start.
- BeginnersGuide - Python Wiki
- Python For Beginners | Python.org
- Python Tutorial | Learn Python Programming Language - GeeksforGeeks
- The Ultimate Python Beginner's Handbook
- BeginnersGuide/Programmers - Python Wiki
- Learning Python — The Hitchhiker's Guide to Python
- Learn Python Programming
- Python Tutorial: A Complete Beginners Guide | DigitalOcean
- Welcome To The Python Tutorial