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Python Environment Setup

Install Python and set up virtual environments

20-25 minutes
Beginner
Cross-platform

Prerequisites

Before you begin:

  • • Administrator access to your system
  • • Internet connection for downloading Python
  • • At least 2GB of available disk space
  • • Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or Linux

Installation Steps

Windows Installation

Step 1: Download Python

  1. Visit the official Python website: python.org
  2. Click "Downloads" and choose the latest Python version (3.11+ recommended)
  3. Download the Windows installer (.exe)

Step 2: Install Python

  1. Run the downloaded installer as Administrator
  2. Check "Add Python to PATH" (important!)
  3. Choose "Install Now" for standard installation
  4. Wait for installation to complete

Step 3: Verify Installation

python --version
pip --version

You should see version numbers for both Python and pip.

macOS Installation

Method 1: Using Homebrew (Recommended)

# Install Homebrew first (if not installed)
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Python
brew install python

Method 2: Official Installer

  1. Visit python.org
  2. Download the macOS installer (.pkg)
  3. Run the installer and follow the wizard
  4. Verify installation with terminal commands

Linux Installation (Ubuntu/Debian)

Install Python

# Update package list
sudo apt update

# Install Python 3 and pip
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

Verify Installation

python3 --version
pip3 --version

Setting Up Virtual Environments

Why Virtual Environments?

Virtual environments allow you to create isolated Python environments for different projects, preventing package conflicts.

Create a Virtual Environment

# Create a new virtual environment
python -m venv myproject

# Activate the virtual environment
# On Windows:
myproject\\Scripts\\activate

# On macOS/Linux:
source myproject/bin/activate

You'll know it's activated when you see (myproject) at the beginning of your command prompt.

Install Packages in Virtual Environment

# Install packages
pip install requests flask pandas

# List installed packages
pip list

# Create requirements.txt
pip freeze > requirements.txt

Deactivate Virtual Environment

deactivate

Verification

Test Your Setup

# Check Python version
python --version

# Test Python with a simple script
python -c "print('Hello from Python!')"

# Test pip
pip --version

If you see version numbers and "Hello from Python!", your installation is successful!

Common Issues & Solutions

'python' is not recognized (Windows)

If you get this error after installation:

  • Make sure you checked "Add Python to PATH" during installation
  • Restart your command prompt or PowerShell
  • Try using py instead of python

Permission Errors (Linux/macOS)

If you get permission errors when installing packages:

# Use virtual environments instead of global installation
python -m venv myproject
source myproject/bin/activate
pip install package_name

Next Steps

What to do next:

  • • Create your first Python script
  • • Learn about pip and package management
  • • Explore popular Python frameworks (Django, Flask)
  • • Set up a development environment with VS Code
Back to Help & Tutorials
Next: VS Code Setup