install Python, idle, Install pycharm

Step 1: Download Python

  1. Go to the official Python website:
    python.org/downloads
  2. Click the yellow “Download Python 3.x.x” button (latest stable version).

Step 2: Install Python

Windows

  1. Run the downloaded .exe file.
  2. Check both boxes:
    • βœ… “Add Python to PATH” (critical for running Python from CMD).
    • βœ… “Install launcher for all users”.
  3. Click “Install Now”.

macOS

  1. Open the downloaded .pkg file.
  2. Follow the installer prompts.
  3. Optional: Install Certificates when prompted.

Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

Open Terminal and run:

bash

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sudo apt update && sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

For Fedora/CentOS:

bash

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sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip

Step 3: Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and run:

bash

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python3 --version  # Should show "Python 3.x.x"
pip3 --version     # Checks if pip (package manager) is installed

Troubleshooting

  • “Python not recognized” error?
    • Reinstall and ensure “Add to PATH” is checked (Windows).
    • On macOS/Linux, try python3 instead of python.
  • Need to update pip?bashCopyDownloadpip3 install –upgrade pip

Optional: Install an IDE/Editor

  1. VS Code (Lightweight):
  2. PyCharm (Full-featured IDE):

Done! πŸŽ‰

You’re ready to write Python scripts. Try running:

bash

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python3
>>> print("Hello, World!")

OutputHello, World!

What is IDLE in Python?

IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment) is Python’s built-in IDE (code editor) that comes automatically when you install Python. It’s designed for beginners to write, run, and debug Python code easily.


Key Features of IDLE

  1. Python Shell
    • Interactive interpreter (REPL) for testing code line-by-line.
    • Example: Type print("Hello") β†’ Immediate output.
  2. Code Editor
    • Write multi-line scripts with syntax highlighting.
    • Save files as .py and run them.
  3. Debugger
    • Step-through execution to find errors.
  4. Basic Tools
    • Auto-indentation, code completion, and error highlighting.

How to Open IDLE?

  • Windows: Search for “IDLE” in Start Menu.
  • macOS/Linux: Open Terminal β†’ Type idle3 or python -m idlelib.

Example Workflow in IDLE

  1. Open IDLE ShellΒ β†’ Type commands interactively:>>> 2 + 3 5
  2. Create a New FileΒ (File > New File) β†’ Write a
  3. name = input(“Enter your name: “) print(f”Hello, {name}!”)
  4. Save (test.py) β†’ Run (F5 or Run > Run Module).

Pros & Cons

ProsCons
βœ… Pre-installed with Python❌ Limited features (no Git, plugins)
βœ… Simple for beginners❌ Weak for large projects
βœ… Lightweight & fast❌ No dark mode (by default)

When to Use IDLE?

  • Learning Python basics.
  • Quick code tests (no setup needed).
  • Small scripts.

For advanced projects, switch to VS Code or PyCharm.


Fun Fact

IDLE was named after Eric Idle, a member of Monty Python (the comedy group that inspired Python’s name!).

Try it now! Just type idle in your terminal after installing Python. 🐍

What is PyCharm?

PyCharm is a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) specifically designed for Python development. It is developed by JetBrains and offers:

  • Smart code completion
  • Debugging tools
  • Built-in terminal & database tools
  • Git integration
  • Support for web frameworks (Django, Flask)

PyCharm comes in two versions:

  1. Community Edition (Free) β€“ Basic Python support.
  2. Professional Edition (Paid) β€“ Advanced features (Django, Flask, scientific tools, remote development).

How to Install PyCharm (Step-by-Step)

βœ” Step 1: Download PyCharm

βœ” Step 2: Install PyCharm

πŸ“Œ For Windows:
  1. Run the downloaded .exe file.
  2. Follow the setup wizard.
  3. Check “Add launchers to PATH” (Optional, but useful).
  4. Click “Install” β†’ Wait for completion.
πŸ“Œ For macOS:
  1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
  2. Drag PyCharm into the Applications folder.
  3. Open Applications β†’ Launch PyCharm.
πŸ“Œ For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian/Fedora):
  1. Option 1 (Recommended): Use Snap (Easiest):bashCopyDownloadsudo snap install pycharm-community –classic
  2. Option 2: Manual .tar.gz Install:
    • Download the .tar.gz from JetBrains.
    • Extract it:bashCopyDownloadtar -xzf pycharm-*.tar.gz -C ~/
    • Run:bashCopyDownloadcd ~/pycharm-*/bin ./pycharm.sh

βœ” Step 3: First-Time Setup

  1. Accept License Agreement (If prompted).
  2. Choose Theme (Dark/Light).
  3. Install Plugins (Optional, e.g., for web development).
  4. Configure Python Interpreter:
    • Go to File β†’ Settings β†’ Project β†’ Python Interpreter.
    • Select an existing Python (python3) or create a virtual environment.

βœ” Step 4: Create & Run a Python File

  1. New Project β†’ Select Pure Python.
  2. Right-click project β†’ New β†’ Python File (hello.py).
  3. Type: print(“Hello, PyCharm!”)
  4. Right-click β†’ Run (or press Shift+F10).

PyCharm Features You’ll Love

βœ… Code Autocompletion (Intelligent suggestions)
βœ… Debugger (Step-by-step code inspection)
βœ… Version Control (Git/GitHub)
βœ… Database Tools (SQL support)
βœ… Scientific Tools (For data science in Pro version)


Troubleshooting

❌ “No Python Interpreter Found”?
β†’ Go to File β†’ Settings β†’ Python Interpreter β†’ Click βš™οΈ β†’ Add β†’ Select Python (/usr/bin/python3 or C:\Python\python.exe).

❌ Slow Performance?
β†’ Disable unnecessary plugins in File β†’ Settings β†’ Plugins.


Which Version Should You Use?

Community EditionProfessional Edition
βœ… Freeβœ… Paid (Free Trial)
βœ… Basic Pythonβœ… Web Frameworks (Django/Flask)
βœ… Git Supportβœ… Database Tools
❌ No Scientific Toolsβœ… Data Science (Jupyter, NumPy)

Recommendation:

  • Beginners β†’ Community Edition (Free).
  • Web/Data Science β†’ Professional Trial (30 days) β†’ Decide later.

πŸ”§ General Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Double ShiftDouble ShiftSearch everywhere (files, classes, actions)
Ctrl+Shift+ACmd+Shift+AFind any action (menu command)
Alt+EnterOption+EnterQuick-fix suggestions (error resolution)
Ctrl+Alt+SCmd+,Open Settings
Ctrl+TabCtrl+TabSwitch between open tabs

✏️ Editing Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Ctrl+DCmd+DDuplicate line
Ctrl+X / Ctrl+CCmd+X / Cmd+CCut/Copy line (no selection needed)
Ctrl+Shift+Up/DownCmd+Shift+Up/DownMove line up/down
Ctrl+/Cmd+/Comment/uncomment line
Ctrl+Alt+LCmd+Option+LReformat code (PEP 8 style)
Ctrl+WOption+UpExpand selection (word β†’ line β†’ block)

🐍 Python-Specific Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Ctrl+SpaceCtrl+SpaceCode completion
Ctrl+Shift+ICmd+Shift+IQuick definition preview
Ctrl+BCmd+BGo to declaration
Ctrl+QCtrl+JQuick documentation
Shift+F1Shift+F1External documentation

πŸ” Navigation Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Ctrl+NCmd+OFind class
Ctrl+Shift+NCmd+Shift+OFind file
Ctrl+ECmd+ERecent files
Alt+F7Option+F7Find usages
Ctrl+Alt+Left/RightCmd+Option+Left/RightNavigate back/forward

πŸ› Debugging Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Shift+F9Ctrl+DStart debug session
F8F8Step over
F7F7Step into
Shift+F8Shift+F8Step out
F9Cmd+Option+RResume program
Ctrl+F8Cmd+F8Toggle breakpoint

πŸ’‘ Refactoring Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Shift+F6Shift+F6Rename symbol
Ctrl+Alt+MCmd+Option+MExtract method
Ctrl+Alt+VCmd+Option+VExtract variable
Ctrl+Alt+FCmd+Option+FExtract field

πŸ–₯️ Terminal & Run Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Alt+F12Option+F12Open terminal
Shift+F10Ctrl+RRun current file
Shift+F9Ctrl+DDebug current file
Ctrl+F2Cmd+F2Stop process

πŸ“‚ Project Navigation Shortcuts

Shortcut (Windows/Linux)Shortcut (macOS)Action
Alt+1Cmd+1Focus Project window
EscEscReturn to editor
Ctrl+KCmd+KCommit changes (Git)
Ctrl+TCmd+TUpdate project (Git pull)

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