How to install Python? It’s quite easy. Python is an general purpose high-level language which is both interpreted as well as object-oriented. It uses dynamic semantics. The basic idea of dynamic semantics is that the meanings of sentences are not propositions but rather functions that alter the context.
It supports:
- High-level built in data structures,
- Dynamic typing and
- Dynamic binding
These features make it very attractive for Rapid Application Development. It is also well suited for use as a scripting language. It has been introduced in school syllabus for class XI and XII, for good. Students usually enquire about from where to get “Python” and how to install it.
Installing Python
First of all there are two separate versions are being maintained 2.x and 3.x. Which one to choose from and why? Earlier school syllabus included 2.x version of python, but now they switched to 3.x and there are reasons behind it.
These are two different paths – Check out the difference between the two Python 2.x or 3.x? before installing.
From where to find “Python”? Follow the link below:
Check out the download section, once you open the website. You will have to choose your installation depending upon your operating system.
- You will be able to find on Python’s official site, Python distribution for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
For windows for example: Click the tab “Windows”:
How to install Python?
You have the option to choose either the 32-bit or 64-bit installer.
What is the difference between the two?:
- If your system has a 32-bit processor, then you should choose the 32-bit installer.
- Similarly if you have a 64-bit system, either of them will do. Just make a point on a 64 bit machine 32-bit version will generally use less memory but will perform slow. On the other hand the 64-bit version performs better specially for heavy applications
Note: If you go “wrong” while making this choice, no need to worry. You can switch to another version of Python, just uninstall Python you just installed and then re-install the required distribution by downloading it again from python.org.
It will download selected Python distribution installer program. You can now run the downloaded installation program, Follow the instructions, and you are done. It will perform most of the things on its own and does not requires any human intervention in most of the cases.
Once downloaded an installer, simply run it by double-clicking on the downloaded distribution file.
- A dialog box appears (that probably would look something like shown in the screen shot):
python security warning
This is a security warning, that your operating system generates to ensure you are downloading from the trusted source. Select Run.
- Another dialog box pops up:
Python installation permission
- Make Sure: You select the checkbox shown in the screenshot labelled “Add Python 3.x to PATH”. This ensures that Python interpreter will be accessible from the path you will execute your code.
- Now all you need to do is click Install Now. That’s it, you are almost done.
Installing Python
- Once finished you should have a working Python 3.x installed on your system.
It will create required icons and menu options on your desktop. Just launch it and it opens up Python Idle.
Happy Programming.
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