Install Python

This page covers the practical minimum: install Python, verify it works, and avoid the most common setup mistakes.

Step 1. Install Python

Download Python from the official site:

Choose a current Python 3 release unless your project explicitly requires an older version.

Many distributions already include Python, but not always the version you want. Install or update it with your package manager when needed.

Run one of these commands:

python --version

or:

python3 --version

Then verify pip:

python -m pip --version

Create a file named hello.py:

print("Hello, Python")

Run it:

python hello.py

If that works, your machine is ready for the next step.

The interpreter is either not installed correctly or is not on PATH.

Use python -m pip ... so the package manager runs under the interpreter you intend to use.

That is normal. Just be deliberate about which interpreter your project uses.