Setting Up Your Python Workspace

What You'll Learn

• Installing Python on your computer
• Using Google Colab (no installation needed!)
• Writing your first Python code

The Easiest Way: Google Colab

Don't want to install anything? Use Google Colab!

Steps:

1. Open colab.research.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Click "New Notebook"
4. Start coding!

Try it now:

print("Hello from Colab!")

Type this in a cell and press Shift + Enter to run it.

Why use Colab?

• Free and works in your browser
• No installation needed
• Google saves your work automatically
• Perfect for learning

Installing Python on Your Computer

Want to work offline? Install Python locally.

For Windows:

1. Go to python.org
2. Click "Downloads"
3. Download Python (latest version)
4. Run the installer
5. ✅ Check "Add Python to PATH"
6. Click "Install Now"

For Mac:

1. Go to python.org
2. Click "Downloads"
3. Download Python for Mac
4. Open the downloaded file
5. Follow the installation steps

Check if it worked:

Open Terminal (Mac) or Command Prompt (Windows) and type:

python --version

You should see something like "Python 3.11.0"

Where to Write Python Code

You have 3 simple options:

1. Google Colab (Easiest)

• Open colab.research.google.com
• Create new notebook
• Start coding

2. IDLE (Comes with Python)

• Search "IDLE" on your computer
• Opens automatically after installing Python
• Simple editor for beginners

3. VS Code (Advanced)

• Download from code.visualstudio.com
• Install "Python" extension
• Create a file ending in .py

Your First Python File

Using IDLE or any text editor:

1. Open IDLE or Notepad
2. Type this:

name = "Your Name"
print("Hello,", name)
print("Welcome to Python!")

3. Save as hello.py
4. Run it!

Output:

Quick Tips

Don't worry about:

• Complex editors
• Installing lots of tools
• Understanding everything at once

Focus on:

• Writing simple code
• Seeing it work
• Learning one step at a time

Recommended for beginners: Start with Google Colab. It's free, easy, and you can learn without worrying about installation problems.

Common Problems

Problem: "Python not found"

• Windows: You forgot to check "Add to PATH" during installation
• Solution: Reinstall Python and check that box

Problem: Can't run code

• Make sure you saved the file with .py extension
• Try Google Colab instead

Problem: Getting errors

• That's normal! Everyone gets errors
• Read the error message slowly
• Google the error (seriously, everyone does this)

What's Next?

Now that you have Python running, let's write some real code!

You're ready to start learning Python basics.