Get Started with Python: A Beginner's Guide

Hey everyone! It's Bro Code here, ready to help you dive into the world of Python. In this article, we'll cover the essentials to get you started, from installation to writing your first program.

Why Learn Python?

Python is the easiest programming language to learn and is currently the most popular language in the world. Plus, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for new Python developers in the United States is $64,000. If that sounds good, let's get started!

1. Installing Python

First, you'll need to download Python. Here's how:

1. Go to python.org/downloads.
2. Click the yellow "Download Python" button.
3. Open the downloaded file.
4. Important: Check the box that says "Add Python 3.9 (or another version) to PATH".
5. Click "Install Now" and wait for the installation to complete.
6. Once the setup is successful, close the installer.

2. Downloading an IDE: PyCharm

An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is software that helps us write other software. I recommend PyCharm for Python development. Here's how to download and install it:

1. Go to jetbrains.com/pycharm.
2. Click "Download".
3. Choose the Community version (free).
4. Follow the standard installation procedure, clicking "Next".
5. Important: Check the box to create a desktop shortcut and update the PATH variable.
6. Click "Install" and wait for the installation to finish.

3. Creating Your First Python Project in PyCharm

1. Run PyCharm using the desktop shortcut.
2. Create a new project (File > New Project).
3. Name your project (e.g., "Hello World").
4. Important: Uncheck the box that says "Create a main.py welcome script". We'll create the file manually.
5. Click "Create".
6. In the project window, go to File > New > Python File.
7. Name the file "main" and click "Python File".

Now you have an empty Python script that you can begin coding in.

4. Adjusting the Font Size (Optional but Recommended)

If the font is too small, you can change it by:

1. Going to File > Settings.
2. Editor > Font.
3. Increase the font size (e.g., to 25).
4. You can also change the font style.
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".

5. Running Your Python Script

To run your Python script:

1. Click the green play button in the corner of the screen.
2. Alternatively, go to the Run tab and click "Run".

The terminal window at the bottom will display any output from your program. The message "Process finished with exit code 0" indicates that there were no errors.

6. Writing Your First Program: "Hello Pizza!"

Let's make your program actually *do* something! We'll use the print() function to display a message.

1. Type the following into your main.py file:

print("I love pizza!")
print("It's really good.")

2. Run the program.

You should see:

I love pizza!
It's really good.

Congratulations! You just wrote your first Python program!

7. Customizing the Terminal Window (Optional)

You can change the font and font color of your terminal window by:

1. Going to File > Settings.
2. Editor > Color Scheme > Console Font.
3. Console Colors.
4. You can change the font and the font color of the output.
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK".

What's Next?

You've taken the first steps! In the next videos, we'll explore variables, data types, string methods, typecasting and accepting user input. Good luck!

If you learned something new, please like, comment, and subscribe! Welcome to coding with Python!