Python is a programming language used widely by companies and individuals. It is an easy and versatile language that can be run from Linux, Unix and Windows devices. This blog will walk you through each step in downloading, installing and getting started with Python.
Step 1 – Download
https://www.python.org/about/gettingstarted/
Before you download, I recommend opening File Explorer (the little yellow folder found on your Windows task bar). Click on the C:\ drive, right-click anywhere in the folder and select New and Folder. Name the folder Python.
When you download the installation file as show in the image above, the file will be downloaded into your Downloads folder. Double-click the file.
Check the box to Add Python 3.7 to PATH
Click Customize Installation. On the next screen, you can uncheck the box – Documentation and click Next
On the next screen, check the box – Precompile standard library and under where it says Customize install location, browse and select the Python folder you created and then click Install
Click Close
Step 2: Running Python
There are several IDE (Integrated Development Environment) applications and basic text editors available. Notepad can be used and is already available on Windows.
In Notepad, type the following lines as shown below:
# program to create a simple calculator
Before we go any further, click File and Save as
Change the Save as type to *.* and type in the name Calculator.Py
Now we have to write the code starting with defining what we want the program to do and the functions to perform. Following the image below, type in each line as indicated.
The next step is to take input from the user and define the user input as variables. Follow the image below and type each line as indicated.
The last steps are to create if/else if statements to allow for each of the choices and a statement for any invalid input.
Follow the image below and type each line as indicated.
Save the file. The easiest way to run it is to first copy the file onto the C:\ directory and then open up the command prompt by right-clicking the Windows icon located on the lower left side of the screen and Run cmd
On the cmd screen, you will see c:\users\yourname
Type the following command: cd c:\ and click enter
Type the following command to run the calculator: python calculator.py
Congratulations, you just created and ran your first python program.
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