Running Your First Python Program

Learn the basics of Python programming and run your first program in this comprehensive tutorial.

Author: Jeremy Morgan
Published: July 21, 2024

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Introduction

Congratulations on taking the first step towards learning Python! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of running your very first Python program. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to write and execute Python code.

Python is an increasingly popular programming language used in various industries, including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. Its simplicity, flexibility, and vast community make it an ideal choice for beginners and experts alike.

How it Works

To run your first Python program, you’ll need:

  1. A text editor or IDE (Integrated Development Environment): You can use any text editor like Notepad, Sublime Text, or Atom. Alternatively, you can install a Python IDE like PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, or Spyder.
  2. Python installed on your computer: If you don’t have Python installed, download and install the latest version from the official Python website.

Once you have these tools set up, follow these steps:

Step 1: Write Your First Python Program

Open your text editor or IDE and create a new file. Save it with a .py extension (e.g., hello_world.py). Now, write your first Python program:

print("Hello, World!")

What’s happening here?

  • The print() function is used to output text to the console.
  • The string "Hello, World!" is passed as an argument to the print() function.

Step 2: Run Your Program

To run your program, follow these steps:

  1. Open a terminal or command prompt on your computer.
  2. Navigate to the directory where you saved your Python file (e.g., cd Desktop/hello_world.py).
  3. Type python hello_world.py and press Enter.

What’s happening here?

  • The python command tells your operating system to run the Python interpreter.
  • The filename (hello_world.py) is passed as an argument to the Python interpreter, which executes the program.

Step 3: Observe the Output

After running your program, you should see the output:

Hello, World!

Congratulations! You’ve just run your first Python program!

Why it Matters

Running your first Python program is a significant milestone. It marks the beginning of your journey into the world of programming. With this fundamental understanding, you can:

  • Experiment with code and learn by trial and error.
  • Develop a strong foundation in programming concepts.
  • Progress to more complex projects and applications.

Step-by-Step Demonstration

Let’s break down each step again:

Step 1: Write Your First Python Program

print("Hello, World!")

Step 2: Run Your Program

  1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
  2. Navigate to the directory where you saved your Python file (e.g., cd Desktop/hello_world.py).
  3. Type python hello_world.py and press Enter.

Step 3: Observe the Output

Hello, World!

Best Practices

As you continue learning Python, keep these best practices in mind:

  • Use meaningful variable names: Choose descriptive names for your variables to make your code easy to read.
  • Comment your code: Add comments to explain what each section of code does, making it easier to understand and debug.
  • Test and iterate: Write tests for your code and refine it until it works as expected.

Common Challenges

Don’t worry if you encounter these common challenges:

  • Indentation errors: Make sure you use consistent indentation (spaces or tabs) throughout your code.
  • Syntax errors: Check your code for typos, missing brackets, or other syntax errors.
  • Runtime errors: Use print statements or a debugger to identify and fix runtime errors.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this tutorial! You’ve successfully run your first Python program. This is just the beginning of your programming journey. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different code snippets, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Python has a lot to offer, and we’re excited to see where your newfound skills take you. Happy coding!


Coding with AI

I wrote a book! Check out A Quick Guide to Coding with AI.
Become a super programmer!
Learn how to use Generative AI coding tools as a force multiplier for your career.