New to programming? Python is free and easy to learn if you know where to start! This guide will help you to get started quickly.

New to Python? This article will give you a quick walk-through. However, be rest assured it is actually quite easier than you think. The first stage is to install the Python interpreter on your computer. This is the program that reads Python programs and carries out their instructions; you need it before you can do any Python programming. Mac OSX distributions from 10.3 (Panther) and up, include a version of Python, which, although it can be as much as two years out of date, may be suitable for beginning. Linux distributions also frequently include Python and it is readily upgraded.

There are currently two major versions of Python available: Python 2 and Python 3. The Python2 or Python3 page provides advice on how to decide which one will best suit your needs. At the time of writing (21 Jun 2010), the rest of this page assumes you’ve decided to use Python 2.

At some stage, you’ll want to edit and save your program code. Take a look at HowToEditPythonCode for some advice and recommendations.

The next stage is to read a tutorial and try some simple experiments with your new Python interpreter.

If you’ve never programmed before, see BeginnersGuide/NonProgrammers for a list of suitable tutorials.
If you have previous programming experience, consult BeginnersGuide/Programmers, which lists more advanced tutorials.
If English isn’t your first language, you might be more comfortable with a tutorial that’s been translated into your language. Consult python.org’s list of Non-English resources.
Most tutorials assume you know how to run a program on your computer. If you are using Windows and need help with this, see how do I Run a Program under Windows.

Once you’ve read a tutorial, you can browse through Python’s online documentation. It includes a tutorial that may be helpful, a Library Reference that lists all of the modules that come standard with Python, and the Language Reference for a complete (if rather dry) explanation of Python’s syntax.

When you are ready to write your first program you will need a text editor. To get started you can use any editor you are familiar with – even something like Notepad – but as you gain experience you may want to use a text editor with features that help you write Python programs. See PythonEditors for a list of programs friendly to Python code editing.

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