Diving Into Python: Chapter 3

Abhishek Jaiswal
May 30, 2015
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Hello guys!

This article is the second in this series. In this I am explaining how to setup the environments for Python scripts in several environments.

Getting Theme

For getting the Python theme, kindly go through my previous articles:

Environment and setups

As we already know, we need various types of setups and environments for a specific type of programming language and so it is Python. So let's have a look at how you can do that step-by-step in your machine.

Local Environment Setup

Here are some environments, where you run your Python scripts easily. It's a long list consisting of many environments. Let's have a look:

Windows
Mac
Linux
Solaris
Amiga
Plam OS

And several others too.

(This article will explain how you can easily create an environment in Windows, Mac and Linux environments. So lets's explore them.)

Finding Python

Looking for Python? Don't panic, simply visit http://www.python.org/

And you will get each and every piece of information regarding Python, like tutorials, documentations, snippet, latest news, version details and so on.

Getting Things Done

Now to explain how to set the environment up in several environments.

Python | In Windows

Just use the following simple procedure and let Python do everything for you:

Just visit http://www.python.org/
Just look for the "Download" option there
Select your preferable version of Python for your Windows PC
Click on that version and install the ".msi" extension file (Like Python 3.4.2.msi)
Follow the simple instructions and your done.

(Now let's go through the installation in a Mac.)

Python | In Mac

Just use the following simple procedure and let Python do everything for you:

Just visit http://www.python.org/
Or you can directly go to http://www.python.org/download/mac/
Look for the current or your preferable version and go for it
Install that version in your Mac Machine
Follow the instructions and your done.

(Let's now have a look at getting things done in a Linux Machine.)

Python | In Linux

Just use the following simple procedure and let Python do everything for you:

Just visit http://www.python.org/
Just look for the "Download" option there
Follow the link and download your preferable version (Zip File)
Extract all those and setup
Now, run the configuration script
Follow the instructions and your done.

Setting up Path in Environments

Path | In Windows

You can find the path name in Windows as "PATH" (it isn't case sensitive in Windows).

Use the following procedure:

Open Command Prompt
Type- path%path%;C:\python
Press Enter and its done.

Path | In Mac

In a Mac machine, the installer itself handles the Path details for you. So you don't need to worry about that if you are having Mac with you.

But one needs to invoke the Python Interpretar. You can invoke the Python interpretar from any directory (but you must add the Python Directory to your Path).

Path | In Linux

You can find the path name in Linux the same as for "PATH" in Windows (but here it will be case sensitive).

Use the following procedure:

In the "Bash Shell"
Type- PATH=”$PATH:/user/local/bin/python”
Press Enter and its done.

Running Python

There are three approaches for this, I'll explain all but the choice will be always yours.

Interactive Interpretar

You can do that using your command line or shell window.

Using Command Line

A Python script can be executed using a command line too. For this approach you need to invoke the Python interpreter on your application.

For invoking you can do any of the following.

In Windos: C:>python script.py

In Linux: $python script.py

GUI Enviroment

This environment is also called an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). You can run your script in this environment too.

Here's a look.

So let's have a look at various IDEs.

IDE | Windows

PythonWin, PyScripter are windows interfaces for Python in Windows. Both of these are GUI based.

IDE | MAC

The MAC version of Python is avilabe from the official Python website.

IDE | Linux

IDLE is the best GUI basd IDE for Python in Linux.

Guidelines from my side

Do as much as code you can.
Code anything you want, it is the best way to learn
Don't just study things, try to learn them.
Work on your Concepts
Work on the fundamentals of any technology or stuff you want to learn.

Moto:

“Keep calm and code Python”

I tried to make this an interesting and interactive article and wish you guys will like that, meanwhile if you have any suggestions then your welcome.

Until the next part, keep sharing!
Happy Learning.