# Introduction to Python

Updated on Dec 22, 2021 by [Alan Morel](/content/alanmorel/index.html)

## Table of Contents

1. [Prerequisites](/content/classes/python/introduction#prerequisites/index.html)
2. [Installing Python](/content/classes/python/introduction#installing-python/index.html)
3. [Hello World](/content/classes/python/introduction#hello-world/index.html)
4. [Resources](/content/classes/python/introduction#resources/index.html)

**[Python](/content/classes/python/index.html)** is a general-purpose, object-oriented and high-level programming language. What this means is that it can and is used in a wide variety of different applications, you can structure your code with objects which helps maintain readability, and because it is a high-level language, it abstracts away a lot of the details we don't need to worry about.

Because of this, Python allows the programmer to focus on writing code and it can handle the rest.

## Prerequisites

1. A computer that can install and run Python.
2. A desire to learn how to code!

With that being said, let's get started!

## Installing Python

If you already have Python installed, you can skip this section. Otherwise, install the latest version of **Python 3**.

Head over to the [downloads page](https://www.python.org/downloads/) to get your copy.

Python downloads page

Once installed, open your Python shell. It should look something like this:

Python shell

Alternatively, you can type:

```bash
python -V
```

To confirm your Python version and it should look something like this:

```bash
python -V
Python 3.8.0
```

## Hello World

Create a brand new file titled `hello-world.py`. Inside the file, put this code in:

```python
print("Hello world!")
```

If you're using Python Shell, open the file, then simply hit "Run Module" under "Run".

You should see this:

```bash
>>>
================= RESTART: hello-world.py ================
Hello world!
>>>
```

If you see the words printed, you have everything you need to begin this class on Python!

Let's get started with Python!

## Resources

- [Python Homepage](https://www.python.org/)
- [Python Downloads Page](https://www.python.org/downloads/)