What Is Python? 🐍
What You'll Learn
- Learn what Python is and where it is used
- Set up Python on your computer
- Understand what a programming language is
Python Is Everywhere
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. It is used by NASA, Google, Netflix, Instagram, and thousands of other companies. Scientists use it to analyze data. Game makers use it to build games. And you are about to learn it!
Python was invented in 1991 by a Dutch programmer named Guido van Rossum. He named it after Monty Python, a British comedy TV show!
What Is a Programming Language?
Computers only understand 1s and 0s (binary). A programming language is a translator — you write instructions in human-readable code, and the computer converts it to the 1s and 0s it needs.
There are hundreds of programming languages. Python is great for beginners because:
- 👀 It reads almost like plain English
- 👔 Less code needed compared to other languages
- 😄 The community is huge and helpful
- 🚀 Used in AI, web, science, automation — almost everything!
Setting Up Python
To run Python on your computer:
- Go to python.org and click Download Python 3
- Run the installer — make sure to check "Add Python to PATH"
- Open your terminal (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on Mac) and type python --version
- If you see a version number, you are ready to go!
Not ready to install? Try replit.com or trinket.io — free online Python editors that run right in your browser!
Today your only goal is to get Python running. Try one of these:
- Install Python from python.org and open IDLE (comes with Python)
- OR go to replit.com, create a free account, and start a new Python Repl
Either way, you should see a place where you can type code. Tomorrow we write our first program!
Who invented Python?
Why is Python good for beginners?
What do you type in the terminal to check your Python version?