Post 1: Getting Started with Python on Windows

Welcome to the first post in my Python learning series. As I learn Python myself, I’ll be documenting my journey here. This first post covers the essentials to get you up and running with Python on Windows:

  1. What Python is and why it’s worth learning
  2. Installing Python on Windows (with step-by-step instructions)
  3. Quick install notes for macOS & Linux users
  4. Writing your first “Hello, World!” program
  5. Using the Python interactive shell

1. What Is Python (and Why Learn It)?

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language that’s gained enormous popularity for good reason. After looking into various languages, I chose to learn Python because:

  • Readability: Its clean syntax uses indentation and fewer symbols than languages like C++ or Java, making code easier to understand
  • Versatility: It’s used across multiple domains from web development (Django, Flask) to data analysis (NumPy, pandas) and automation
  • Package ecosystem: PyPI (Python Package Index) hosts over 400,000 third-party packages that extend Python’s capabilities
  • Community support: Extensive documentation, forums, and tutorials make finding help straightforward

For me as a finance professional, Python’s data analysis capabilities are particularly valuable, but its applications stretch across many fields.

2. Installing Python on Windows

Here’s how to get Python installed on Windows 10/11:

2.1 Download the Installer

  1. Visit the official Python download page: https://www.python.org/downloads/windows
  2. Click the button for the latest stable release (currently Python 3.11.x)

2.2 Run the Installer

  1. Locate and double-click the downloaded file (typically named python-3.x.x-amd64.exe)
  2. IMPORTANT: Check the box that says “Add Python 3.x to PATH” at the bottom of the installer
    • This allows you to run Python from any directory in Command Prompt
  3. Click “Install Now” for the standard installation, or “Customise installation” if you want to change specific options

2.3 Verify the Installation

  1. Open Command Prompt (press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter)
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    python --version
  3. You should see output like:
    Python 3.11.4
    (Your version number might differ)

3. Quick Notes for macOS & Linux

  • macOS:

    • Many Macs come with Python 2.7 preinstalled, but you’ll want Python 3
    • The simplest approach is using Homebrew:
      brew install python
    • Alternatively, download the installer from python.org

  • Linux:

    • Most Linux distributions include Python
    • For Ubuntu/Debian:
      sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

For complete instructions, see the official Python documentation:

4. Your First “Hello, World!” Script

Time to write your first Python program:

  1. In Command Prompt, navigate to a folder where you want to create your script:

    cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents

  2. Create a new file named hello.py using any text editor (Notepad, VS Code, etc.)

  3. Type this line in the file:

    print("Hello, World!")

  4. Save the file, then run it by typing in Command Prompt:

    python hello.py

  5. You should see:

    Hello, World!

Congratulations—you’ve written and executed your first Python program!

5. Exploring the Python Interactive Shell

Python comes with an interactive shell (also called a REPL—Read-Evaluate-Print Loop) that lets you test code snippets immediately:

  1. In Command Prompt, simply type:

    python

  2. You’ll see the Python prompt (>>>) where you can type code directly:

    >>> 2 + 2
4
>>> name = "Python"
>>> print(f"I'm learning {name}!")
I'm learning Python!

  3. Try some basic math:

    >>> 5 * 7
35
>>> 10 / 2
5.0

  4. To exit, type:

    >>> exit()

    Or press Ctrl+Z followed by Enter on Windows.

The interactive shell is excellent for quick experiments and calculations without creating a file.

Practice Exercise

Before moving on, try this quick exercise:

  1. Create a new Python file named greeting.py
  2. Write code that:
    • Assigns your name to a variable
    • Prints a greeting that includes your name
  3. Run the script to see the output

Example solution (don’t peek until you’ve tried!):

name = "Alex"
print(f"Nice to meet you, {name}!")

What’s Next?

Now that you have Python installed and have run your first code, you’re ready to:

  • Explore text editors and IDEs that will make coding more efficient (coming in Post 2)
  • Learn Python syntax fundamentals to build more complex programs
  • Begin solving real problems with your new skills

Stay tuned for Post 2: Text Editors vs. IDEs for Python Development!

This post is part of my journey learning Python. I’m a chartered accountant exploring programming to enhance my analytical toolkit. If you have questions or spot any errors, please leave a comment below.