Day 1 – What is Python? How to Install Python & Set Up Your First IDE | 60 Days Python Crash Course | ElectroLab

📘 Introduction

What is Python? In this Day 1 of the 60 Days Python Crash Course by ElectroLab.in, we’ll answer that question and explore why Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. You’ll also learn how to install Python and set up your development environment to start coding right away.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some coding experience, this course is designed to take you from zero to hero — step by step, one day at a time.

🧠 Part 1: What is Python?

📌 Python Overview

Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language created by Guido van Rossum and officially released in 1991. It was designed to be readable, simple, and powerful — making it perfect for both beginners and advanced developers.

Python is:

• Free and open-source
• Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS)
• Extensively used in almost every tech industry domain

🔑 Key Features of Python

🔧 Where is Python Used?

Python’s simplicity and power make it suitable for a wide range of domains:

• 💻 Web Development – Frameworks like Django and Flask
• 🧠 AI & Machine Learning – Libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn
• 📊 Data Science – Tools like Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn
• 🤖 Robotics & IoT – Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Arduino using MicroPython
• 🔄 Automation & Scripting – Automate daily tasks, web scraping, file operations
• 🎮 Game Development – Create 2D games using Pygame
• 🧪 Scientific Computing – Used in physics, biology, and engineering simulations

Python is the foundation for many modern technologies and is widely adopted by companies like Google, Facebook, Netflix, NASA, and more.

📥 Part 2: How to Install Python

Let’s now set up Python on your system. Follow the instructions based on your operating system.

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Install Python on Windows

🔹 Step 1: Download Python

1. Open your browser and go to: https://www.python.org/downloads
2. Click on the yellow button that says Download Python 3.x.x (e.g., Python 3.12.1)

🔹 Step 2: Run the Installer

1. Locate the downloaded .exe file
2. Double-click it to start the installation
3. Important: ✅ Check the box that says “Add Python to PATH”
4. Click Install Now
5. Wait until the setup finishes and click Close

🔹 Step 3: Verify Installation

1. Open the Command Prompt (Press Win + R, then type cmd)
2. Type:python --version orpython3 --version
3. You should see something like: Python 3.12.1

Congratulations! 🎉 Python is now installed on your system.

🐧 Installing Python on Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)

Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

🍎 Installing Python on macOS

Use Homebrew:

brew install python

Or download it from the Python website just like Windows.

🧑‍💻 Part 3: Installing an IDE (Code Editor)

An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) helps you write, debug, and run Python code efficiently. You can use a lightweight code editor or a full-featured IDE.

🌟 Option 1: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) – Recommended

🔹 Step 1: Download

Visit: https://code.visualstudio.com/

Click on Download for your OS.

🔹 Step 2: Install VS Code

Run the downloaded file and install it.
Select options like:

• ✅ Add to PATH
• ✅ Register “Open with Code”

🔹 Step 3: Install Python Extension

1. Open VS Code
2. Click the Extensions icon or press Ctrl + Shift + X
3. Search for Python
4. Install the extension by Microsoft

🔹 Step 4: Run Your First Python Program

1. Create a new file and name it: hello.py
2. Type the following code: pythonCopyEditprint("Hello, World!")
3. Right-click anywhere in the file and choose “Run Python File in Terminal”

You’ll see the output in the terminal!

💡 Option 2: PyCharm – Full-Featured IDE

🔹 Step 1: Download

Go to: https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download

Choose the Community Edition (free)

🔹 Step 2: Install and Set Up

• Run the installer and install PyCharm
• Create a new Python project
• Write and run your Python programs

✅ Summary

Here’s what you’ve learned in Day 1 of the crash course:

Conclusion

In this post, we answered the important question: What is Python? We learned that Python is a powerful, easy-to-learn programming language used in many fields like web development, AI, data science, and automation. You also learned how to install Python on your system and set up an IDE to start coding. Understanding what is Python is the first step toward becoming a proficient programmer. Stay consistent with the course, and soon you’ll master Python step by step!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Python used for?
Python is used in web development, AI and machine learning, data analysis, automation, game development, and much more.

Q2: What is Python’s main advantage?
Its simplicity and readability make Python easy for beginners and powerful for experts.

Q3: What is Python compared to other languages?
Python is an interpreted, dynamically typed, high-level language with a large standard library, making it very versatile.

Q4: What is Python’s installation process like?
It’s straightforward; just download it from python.org and follow simple steps for your OS.

Q5: What is Python’s learning curve for beginners?
Python has a gentle learning curve because its syntax resembles English and it avoids complex structures.

Practice Exercise for Today

To reinforce what is Python and get comfortable with your setup, try these simple tasks:

1. Open your IDE and write a Python program that prints “Hello, Python!”
2. Use the terminal or command prompt to check your Python version with python --version.
3. Research and write down 3 more things you learned about what is Python today.
4. Explore the Python official website python.org and check out the “About” page.

Keep practicing these basics to build a strong foundation!