Python Installation & PyCharm Setup

Python Interpreter and an IDE

To build software or applications, we need:

• A Python Interpreter → to run Python code.
• An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) → to write, test, debug, and run code efficiently.

Popular IDEs for Python:

• PyCharm (by JetBrains) – most popular for Python.
• VS Code
• Anaconda
• Python IDLE (comes with Python).

Installing Python Interpreter and PyCharm

Step 1: Check if Python is Already Installed

Open Command Prompt (CMD) and run:

python --version
python3 --version

If you see an error like this, then Python is not installed:

Python was not found; run without arguments to install from the Microsoft Store...

Step 2: Download Python

• Visit the official site: Python Download
• Select the latest stable version (based on your OS: Windows, Mac, Linux).
• Run the installer.

Check the option "Add Python.exe to PATH" during installation. This ensures Python commands work in the terminal.

Step 3: Verify Installation

After installation, check again in CMD:

python --version

Example Output:

Python 3.11.5

Step 4: Install PyCharm (IDE)

• Download from: PyCharm Downloads
• Versions:
  • Community Edition (Free) → Best for beginners.
  • Professional Edition (Paid) → Advanced features for enterprise use.

For learning, you can choose Community Edition.

Testing Python

After Python installation, try running Python in the terminal:

>>> 2 + 3
5

Using PyCharm

1. Open PyCharm → Create a New Project.
2. Choose a location for your project (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\PycharmProjects\MyFirstProject).
3. Select the installed Python Interpreter.

Conclusion

• Python interpreter is required to execute Python code.
• An IDE like PyCharm makes development easier with debugging, code completion, and project management.