Welcome to your first step in Python programming! In this tutorial, we will guide you through writing a simple Python program. This exercise will help you get familiar with the basic syntax and structure of Python code. You can use any text editor for this task, but we recommend Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Other good options include Sublime Text, PyCharm, or Notepad++ for Windows users.
Setting Up Your Text Editor
If you don’t already have a text editor, pause here and install one. A text editor is an essential tool for programming in any language. Once you’re set up, create a new file named hello.py. The .py extension indicates that this is a Python file.
Writing the Code
Open hello.py in your text editor and type the following line of Python code:
print('Hello, World!')
This line uses the print function to display text on the screen. The text “Hello, World!” is enclosed in single quotes. These quotes tell Python that you are writing a string of text. It’s important to use quotes correctly to avoid syntax errors.
Adding Comments
Comments are an essential part of programming. They help you and others understand what your code does. In Python, comments start with a hash symbol (#). Let’s add a comment to our program:
# Print Hello, World! to the terminal
print('Hello, World!')
This comment explains that the line of code prints “Hello, World!” to the terminal. Comments are ignored by the Python interpreter, so they won’t affect how your program runs.
Saving the File
After writing your code and comments, save the file. Make sure it is saved with the .py extension.
Running Your Program
To run your Python program, you need to use the terminal or command prompt. Here are the steps:
Open the Terminal:
Windows: Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
Mac: Press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.
Linux: Open your terminal application (varies by distribution).
Navigate to Your File’s Directory: Use the cd command to change the directory to where your hello.py file is stored. For example, if your file is in the Documents folder, you would type:
cd Documents
Run the Program: Type the following command to run your Python file:
python hello.py
On some systems, you might need to use python3 instead of python:
python3 hello.py
Example
Here’s a complete example to illustrate the process:
Write the Code:
# Print Hello, World! to the terminal
print('Hello, World!')
Save the File: Save it as hello.py.
Open the Terminal and Navigate to the File’s Directory:
cd Documents
Run the Program:
python hello.py
You should see the output:
Hello, World!
Conclusion
Congratulations on writing and running your first Python program! This simple exercise introduces you to the basics of Python syntax and the use of a text editor. As you continue to learn Python, you’ll build on this foundation to create more complex programs. Happy coding!
Related Tutorial
4: Leveraging Exercise Files for Hands-On Data Science Learning
2: Essential Skills for Data Science: A Guide for Beginners
1: Unleashing the Power of Machine Learning: A Comprehensive Guide with Python
4- Writing Your First Python Program
Introduction
Welcome to your first step in Python programming! In this tutorial, we will guide you through writing a simple Python program. This exercise will help you get familiar with the basic syntax and structure of Python code. You can use any text editor for this task, but we recommend Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Other good options include Sublime Text, PyCharm, or Notepad++ for Windows users.
Setting Up Your Text Editor
If you don’t already have a text editor, pause here and install one. A text editor is an essential tool for programming in any language. Once you’re set up, create a new file named
hello.py. The.pyextension indicates that this is a Python file.Writing the Code
Open
hello.pyin your text editor and type the following line of Python code:This line uses the
printfunction to display text on the screen. The text “Hello, World!” is enclosed in single quotes. These quotes tell Python that you are writing a string of text. It’s important to use quotes correctly to avoid syntax errors.Adding Comments
Comments are an essential part of programming. They help you and others understand what your code does. In Python, comments start with a hash symbol (
#). Let’s add a comment to our program:This comment explains that the line of code prints “Hello, World!” to the terminal. Comments are ignored by the Python interpreter, so they won’t affect how your program runs.
Saving the File
After writing your code and comments, save the file. Make sure it is saved with the
.pyextension.Running Your Program
To run your Python program, you need to use the terminal or command prompt. Here are the steps:
Open the Terminal:
Win + R, typecmd, and hit Enter.Cmd + Space, typeTerminal, and hit Enter.Navigate to Your File’s Directory: Use the
cdcommand to change the directory to where yourhello.pyfile is stored. For example, if your file is in the Documents folder, you would type:Run the Program: Type the following command to run your Python file:
On some systems, you might need to use
python3instead ofpython:Example
Here’s a complete example to illustrate the process:
Write the Code:
Save the File: Save it as
hello.py.Open the Terminal and Navigate to the File’s Directory:
Run the Program:
You should see the output:
Conclusion
Congratulations on writing and running your first Python program! This simple exercise introduces you to the basics of Python syntax and the use of a text editor. As you continue to learn Python, you’ll build on this foundation to create more complex programs. Happy coding!