Installing Python

If you need to install Python, here are some handy-dandy tips and links.

Windows

For Windows x.x and up, Python comes preinstalled. For Windows x.x and lower, you need to install Python manually.

1. Go to the Python download page.

2. Select Python 3.x or Python 2.x.

   Note: I recommend Python 3.x.

   
   

3. Open the installer.

4. On the install screen, check the last two boxes on the installer window.

   

   Important: Don't miss the last box, marked here with a black star!

   
   

5. Once installation completes, open PowerShell and run the following command:

   python -V
   

MacOS

In general, Python comes preinstalled on MacOS.

Check your installation

Run the following command in your Terminal application.

python -V

You likely will see Python 2.x.

Install a different version

If you want to install a different version, the fastest way on MacOS is through Homebrew.

1. Go to the Homebrew site and follow the directions to install Homebrew.

2. In the Terminal app, run the following code.

   $ brew update
   $ brew install python3
   

   To install Python 2 instead of Python 3, use brew install python2 instead.

Linux

In general, Python comes preinstalled on Linux.

Check your installation

Run the following command in your terminal.

python -V

You likely will see Python 2.x.

Install a different version

Run the following command in your terminal to get Python 3.x. Substitute python2 if you want Python 2.x.

sudo apt-get install python3