Beginner's Guide to Python

New to programming? Python is free, and easy to learn if you know where to start! This guide will help you to get started quickly.

New to Python?

Read BeginnersGuide/Overview for a short explanation of what Python is.

Next, install the Python interpreter on your computer. This is the program that reads Python programs and carries out their instructions; you need it before you can do any Python programming.

See BeginnersGuide/Download for instructions for downloading the correct version of Python.

Next, read a tutorial and try some simple experiments with your new Python interpreter.

• If you've never programmed before, see BeginnersGuide/NonProgrammers for a list of suitable tutorials.

• If you have previous programming experience, consult BeginnersGuide/Programmers, which lists more advanced tutorials.

• If English isn't your first language, you might be more comfortable with a tutorial that's been translated into your language. Consult python.org's list of Non-English resources.

Most tutorials assume you know how to run a program on your computer. If you are using Windows and need help with this, see How do I Run a Program Under Windows.

Once you've read a tutorial, you can browse through Python's online documentation. It includes a tutorial that may be helpful, a Library Reference that lists all of the modules that come standard with Python, and the Language Reference for a complete (if rather dry) explanation of Python's syntax.

When you are ready to write your first program you will need a text editor. To get started you can use any editor you are familiar with such as NotePad, vi, or Emacs. As you gain experience you may want to use a text editor with features that help you write Python programs. A comprehensive list is on the PythonEditors page.

Need help with any of this? Read BeginnersGuide/Help for mailing lists and newsgroups.

Most Python books will include an introduction to the language; see IntroductoryBooks for suggested titles.

Consult BeginnersGuide/Examples for small programs and little snippets of code that can help you learn.

Or, you can pay for a Python course; see BeginnersGuide/Courses for a list.

Teachers can join the EDU-SIG, a mailing list for discussion of Python's use in teaching at any level ranging from K-12 up to university.

Complete list of Beginner's Guide pages

Looking for a particular Python module or application?

• The first place to look is the Python Package Index, now appropriately renamed the Cheese Shop.

• If you can't find anything relevant in the Package Index, try searching python.org - you can find anything mentioned on the Python site, in the FAQs, or in the newsgroup. More info: [ http://www.python.org/search/#help where to search].

• Next, try Google or other search engine of your choice. Searching for "python" and some relevant keywords will usually find something helpful.

• Finally, you can try posting a query to the comp.lang.python Usenet group.

Want to contribute?

• Python is a product of the Python Software Foundation, a non-profit organization that holds the copyright. Donations to the PSF are tax-deductible in the USA, and you can donate via credit card or PayPal.

• To report a bug in the Python core, use the Python Bug Tracker at SourceForge.

• To contribute a bug fix or other patch to the Python core, read the Python Developer's Guide for more information about Python's development process.

• To contribute to the official Python documentation, join the Documentation SIG, write to docs@python.org, or use the Patch Manager to contribute a documentation patch.

• To announce your module or application to the Python community, use comp.lang.python.announce. See the guide to Python mailing lists for more information.

• To propose changes to the python core, post your thoughts to comp.lang.python. If you have an implementation, follow the Python Patch Guidelines.

CategoryDocumentation