What is Python?

Simply put, Python is a dynamic programming language and is very popular among modern day coders due to its simple syntax. Even though Python is considered a simple programming language, it is very powerful. This programming language can be used for accomplishing many tasks, including:

• (1) Web development
• (2) Machine Learning
• (3) Problem Solving

Python was developed by Guido van Russom and released in 1991, quickly becoming famous for its readable code. Around the 2000s, Python 2 and further enhanced versions of Python 2x were released; down the line, around 2008, Python 3 and its versions were released. Python 3.7 is the latest version and currently under beta testing.

The major difference between Python2x and 3x is the print function. Python3x considers print and input to be functions, whereas Python2x doesn't. A function is defined by the parentheses and when we have the parentheses in our code, we are "calling" that specific function.

The function print() is what we use to call in Python 3x, but we do not use the () in Python2x, so in Python2x, the function would just be print.

Install-Download-Run

Please visit here to download the latest version of Python. Upon installation, run the program, accept the terms, and Python will be downloaded on your computer, ready to use!

After download, there are two ways to access Python:

(1) Open the IDLE for your version, use the shortcut CTRL-N to open a new file, and you are all set to code!

OR

(2) Open the COMMAND PROMPT by searching CMD in your search bar and type in Python. You will be automatically redirected to the Python interpreter (if using Mac OS, use the TERMINAL in place of the COMMAND PROMPT and follow the same steps as above).

If, due to some unavoidable circumstance, you are unable to install Python on your computer, try installing Jupyter Notebook or PyCharm. If all else fails, it is best to use an online interpreter instead of going through the tedious process of changing your PATH on the computer. I personally recommend using Repl. It allows you to save your files and access them anytime.