Getting Started

So you've decided to start programming and Python is the language you want to learn. The first place you want to go is the Python website to download the latest installation.  For these posts, I will be using Python 3.2 which can be downloaded from the following link:

Download Python

You will want to select the appropriate Python 3.2 installation for your operating system. I used the Python 3.2 Windows x86 MSI Installer for my system.

Once you have it downloaded to your computer, you can go ahead and install it. This is a fairly straightforward process and as such I will not cover it unless any users request for a guide.

Okay, so you have it installed, now it's time to open it up and get started! You can access the IDLE from either the desktop (if chosen during install) or from the start menu (windows users).

Start > All Programs > Python 3.2 > IDLE (Python GUI)

You should see the following screen (or similar) once it has finished loading.

As you will see, the blinking cursor will indicate that the interpreter is ready for you to enter a command/expression. This shell (window) can be used to perform calculations, as you would on a calculator.

That's it! You're up and running, and now you can begin getting into the fun stuff..okay, well it may not be too much fun, but it will help you out in the long run when you start making more advanced programs.

If everything is running as above you can now continue to the next lesson: Python Arithmetic Operators

-Nathan (everythingPython)