Installation of Python and IDEs (Integrated Development Environments)
To get started with the Python programming language, Python users must manually install the Python IDE software on their existing desktop, laptop, or notebook computer. Python users can then use the IDE (Integrated Development Environment), compiler, or graphical code editor software application to create any type of Python program, run or execute existing programs, and, if necessary, manually customize or debug program source code.
What is the Python Programming Language?
Python is a high-level, modern, advanced, multi-purpose programming language. Before creating a new program using the Python programming language, you must install the Python interpreter software on your desktop or laptop computer.
The Python interpreter is application software that reads and runs the source code of a user-created Python program.
Installing Python on Your System.
Python programming software can be installed on your computer based on different operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, and popular Linux open-source distros.
Step 1: Download the Python software to your computer.
- First, go to the official Python Software Foundation website in your desired web browser and manually download the current Python 3 latest version release to your system.
- Download only the latest official Python version from here.
Step 2: Run the Python software installer on your computer.
- After the Python software is downloaded to your desktop or laptop computer,
- Open the downloaded Python installer on your computer.
- On Microsoft Windows OS, select the “Add Python to PATH” option.
- Now manually click on the Install Now option.
- Wait for the Python software installation to complete.
- Finally, click on the Close option.
Adding Python to the Python software PATH allows Python users and programmers to run Python applications from a command prompt or terminal window.
Step 3: Check the Python installation version on your computer.
Open a command prompt on a Microsoft Windows operating system or a terminal window on a Mac OS or Linux operating system and type python –version
On some operating systems, Python users may need this command.
python3 –version
If the Python software is installed correctly in the proper order on your computer, the system terminal displays the installed Python 3 version information.
What is a Python IDE?
IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment.
An IDE is a graphical Windows, Mac, or Linux-based application or software that provides Python programmers with multiple programming tools in one place. IDE software includes a simple text editor for creating program source code and running it separately.
Instead of creating and running individual programs, an IDE can provide developers with a suite of tools for multiple tasks.
- Creating multiple program source code simultaneously
- Running existing programs
- Finding error issues in hundreds of millions of lines of program design and development
- Debugging a program’s source code
- Managing files and projects related to a program project
- Installing and managing packages in other essential program applications
- Providing source code suggestions and highlighting error issues for beginner programmers
Graphical IDE application packages simplify user programming, especially for new programmers and large software projects.
Popular Python IDEs Applications.
Several currently available IDE software environments can be used for Python programming software development.
IDLE Python IDEs Applications.
In Python, IDLE stands for Integrated Development and Learning Environment. This software is automatically installed with the Python 3.0 installation.
IDLE is an easy-to-use software, especially useful for beginner Python users.
Python IDLE Features.
- Easy to use for new users
- Python shell features
- Simple code editor
- Syntax highlighting features
- Basic Python program debugging tools
PyCharm Python IDEs Applications.
PyCharm is a popular professional graphical IDE application developed by JetBrains for Python and other programming languages. PyCharm provides you with more functions and features than other Python IDE software applications currently available.
PyCharm offers these advanced features.
- Intelligent program source code completion features
- Line-by-line source code debugging controls
- Python file software project management
- Easy code navigation concepts
- Rich set of library testing tools
- Virtual environment support
- Git integration features
The PyCharm IDE is commonly used for professional Python software development.
Visual Studio Code IDE software.
Microsoft Windows-based Visual Studio Code is a lightweight graphical IDE code editor software that can be used to create a powerful Python IDE development environment using existing library-based extensions.
Important Features of Visual Studio Code.
- Syntax highlighting features for any program source code
- Auto program source code completion
- Easy program code debugging features
- Extensive library extension support
- Integrated program code testing run terminal environment
- Git support features
The Visual Studio Code IDE application can be used for Python as well as many other programming languages.
Jupyter Notebook Python IDEs Applications.
The Jupyter Notebook IDE is a particularly useful IDE application for visualizing Python data science, scientific computing, and machine learning-related tasks.
The Jupyter Notebook IDE allows Python users to combine these features in a single notebook.
Important Features of Jupyter Notebook IDE.
- Python code editor
- Output window
- Chart and graph visual features
- Mathematical equation solution compatibility features
- Explanatory text editor window
Writing your first Python program in Python IDE software.
After installing Python software on your computer, Python users can create a simple Python program.
print(“Welcome, to the World of Python”)
When users run this program, the output will be:
Welcome, to the World of Python
This output confirms that the Python application IDE is working in the proper order on your current computer.
Interpreter vs. IDE Difference in Python.
It is very important for you to know the main differences between Interpreter vs. IDE.
| # | Python Interpreter | IDE graphical application software |
| 1. | Python interpreter used to execute Python program code | Python Ide Provides you graphical environment for developing create python programs code |
| 2. | Python interpreter Required to run Python programs source code | Python Ide graphical code used to make programming easier for everyone |
| 3. | Python interpreter Can be used or access from a terminal window | Python Ide generally provide editor, debugger, and other graphical tools |
| 4. | Like: Python 3 interpreter built in python | Like: pycharm, IDLE, Visual Studio Code |
Simply put, Python is a computer programming language. An interpreter is a software application installed in Python that runs Python programs. An IDE provides all the essential tools and features to easily create and manage Python and other program source code.
Conclusion of Installation of Python and IDEs.
Installing Python software on your computer is the first step towards learning the Python programming language. After installing a proper Python program, popular Python IDEs like IDLE, PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, or Jupyter Notebook can be used to create and run new programs. For new users, IDLE or Visual Studio Code can be a good starting point for Python, while the PyCharm Python IDE is a useful application for large-scale software projects.
