Setup

Python Trainer

Install Python on Windows, macOS, and Linux before starting Foundations

Start Here in 5 Minutes

Pick your OS, install Python, then run the verify step.

Windows macOS Linux
Helper

Should You Use python or python3?

Try python --version first. If it fails, switch to python3.

Recommended commands
python --version
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
python -m venv .venv

On This Page

Windows

Install Python on Windows

  1. Download Python 3 from python.org/downloads.
  2. Run installer and check Add Python to PATH.
  3. Open PowerShell and verify.
PowerShell
python --version
pip --version
macOS

Install Python on macOS

  1. Install from python.org or use Homebrew.
  2. If using Homebrew, run the commands below.
  3. Verify Python and pip.
Terminal
brew install python
python3 --version
pip3 --version
Linux

Install Python on Linux

  1. Use your distro package manager.
  2. Install Python 3, pip, and venv.
  3. Verify in your shell.
Debian/Ubuntu example
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip python3-venv
python3 --version
pip3 --version
Verify

Verify Python Is Ready

Use whichever command works on your system.

Any shell
python --version || python3 --version
pip --version || pip3 --version

Expected result: Python 3.x.x and a pip version line.

Comprehensive

Recommended First-Time Setup

  1. Upgrade pip in your user environment.
  2. Create a project folder and virtual environment.
  3. Activate the virtual environment and install packages there.

Windows (PowerShell)

PowerShell
python -m pip install --upgrade pip
mkdir python-trainer
cd python-trainer
python -m venv .venv
.\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1

macOS / Linux

Terminal
python3 -m pip install --upgrade pip
mkdir python-trainer
cd python-trainer
python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Command not found: python / pip

Restart your terminal after installation. On Windows, confirm PATH was enabled in the installer.

Try python3 and pip3 variants on macOS/Linux.

Permission denied while installing packages

Use a virtual environment instead of system-wide install. Avoid sudo pip.

PowerShell blocks script activation

Run this once in PowerShell as your user, then retry activation:

PowerShell
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

Next Step

Python is installed. Continue to your first interactive lesson.

Go to Foundations