Introduction to Python

What is Python?

Python is a high level, object oriented, interactive, interpreted scripting language. It was developed by Guido van Rossum in late 80s and early 90s at the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science in the Netherlands. The latest version of Python is Python 3.

Using Python, we can create text processing applications, web applications, GUI programs, Game Development etc.

Installing Python

Go to python.org. Download the latest version for your computer and install it. You will be ready to go.

Python is generally bundled with Linux but make sure you have the latest version. In case its not, download and install the latest version.

About Python Shell

After you have install Python, run Python IDLE. IDLE stands for Interactive DeveLopment Environment. Its an interpreter thats going to interpret your Python code. Its going to make your task easy.

You can also use notepad or other text edition software to write your program. But I'll will recommend you Python IDLE.

In windows, click start and type IDLE and press enter.

Extension for Python Files

Python files have .py extension. So while saving your program make sure that you have saved it with proper file name ending with '.py'.