Welcome to the world of Linux! If you’re new to this operating system and want to install Python, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step, using simple language.
What is Python?
Python is a popular programming language known for its simplicity and readability. It’s used for everything from web development to data analysis and artificial intelligence.
What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system. Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux gives you more control over your computer but can seem intimidating at first.
Why Use the Terminal?
The Terminal, also known as the command line, is the text-based interface for Linux. It might look scary at first, but it’s a powerful tool that allows you to perform tasks more efficiently than using graphical interfaces.
Step 1: Open the Terminal
- To open the Terminal, press
Ctrl + Alt + Tor go to your applications menu and search for “Terminal.”
Step 2: Update Package List
Before installing new software, it’s a good practice to update the package list. In the Terminal, type:
sudo apt update
Here, “sudo” means you’re asking for administrator rights, and “apt” is the package manager tool we’re using to update software.
Step 3: Install Python
To install Python, type:
sudo apt install python3
Again, “sudo” asks for administrator rights, “apt” is our package manager, and “install” is the command that tells it to install Python 3.
Step 4: Verify Installation
Once the installation is complete, let’s make sure Python is installed correctly. Type:
python3 --version
This command will show the Python version that is installed, confirming the installation was successful.
Step 5: Where is Python Installed?
You might wonder where Python is installed on your system. To find out, type:
which python3
This command will display the directory where Python 3 is installed.
Step 6: Running Your First Python Script
You can create and run Python programs by typing them directly into the Terminal after typing python3 and pressing Enter. To exit, just type exit().
And there you have it! You’ve successfully installed Python on your Linux system. You’re now ready to dive into the world of Python programming. Happy coding!