Writing and Running Your First Python Program

Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Its simplicity and readability make it an excellent choice for individuals who are new to programming. If you’re eager to dive into the world of coding, this article will guide you through the process of writing and running your very first Python program.

Getting Started

Before you start writing Python code, you need to ensure that you have Python installed on your computer. Most modern operating systems come with Python pre-installed, but it’s a good idea to check the version. Open your command prompt or terminal and type:

python --version

This command will display the installed Python version. If Python is not installed, you can download it from the official Python website (https://www.python.org/downloads/). Make sure to choose the latest stable version.

Choosing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

While Python code can be written and run in a simple text editor, using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can greatly enhance your coding experience. Some popular Python IDEs include:

1. IDLE (Python’s built-in IDE): It’s a basic IDE that comes bundled with Python, making it a good choice for beginners.
2. Visual Studio Code: A powerful and customizable code editor that supports Python through extensions.
3. PyCharm: A professional IDE with advanced features designed specifically for Python development.
4. Jupyter Notebook: Great for data science and interactive coding, Jupyter Notebook allows you to run Python code in cells.

Choose an IDE that suits your needs and preferences. For the purpose of this article, we’ll use IDLE, which is readily available if you have Python installed.

Writing Your First Python Program

Let’s start by creating a simple “Hello, World!” program in Python. Open your chosen IDE or text editor and follow these steps:

1. Open a New File: In IDLE, click on “File” and select “New File.”
2. Write Your Code: Type the following code into the new file:

print("Hello, World!")

3. Save Your File: Save the file with a “.py” extension. For example, you can save it as “hello.py.”

Running Your Python Program

Now that you’ve written your first Python program, it’s time to run it. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open a Terminal or Command Prompt: This is where you’ll execute your Python program.
2. Navigate to the Folder: Use the cd command to navigate to the folder where your Python file is saved. For example:

cd path/to/your/folder

3. Execute the Program: Type the following command and press Enter:

python hello.py

You should see the output “Hello, World!” displayed on your screen. Congratulations, you’ve just run your first Python program!

Understanding Your First Program

Let’s break down the code you’ve written:

• print("Hello, World!"): This line of code uses the print() function to display the text “Hello, World!” on the screen. In Python, the print() function is used to output information.

Experiment and Explore

Now that you’ve successfully written and run your first Python program, the possibilities are endless. Python can be used for a wide range of applications, including web development, data analysis, machine learning, and more. As you continue your journey in Python programming, explore online tutorials, documentation, and projects to deepen your understanding and broaden your skills.

Remember that learning to code is an ongoing process, and it’s perfectly normal to encounter challenges along the way. Don’t be discouraged; instead, embrace the learning experience and keep experimenting with Python to unlock its full potential.

In conclusion, writing and running your first Python program is an exciting step toward becoming a proficient programmer. With Python’s simplicity and vast community support, you’re well on your way to mastering this versatile language. So, roll up your sleeves, continue learning, and start building your coding projects today!