Starting with Python: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learning Python is exciting, but starting the right way ensures your code is clean, organised, and easy to maintain. Here’s how to set up a solid foundation:

1. Install Python and Set Up Your Environment

• Download Python from https://www.python.org.
• During installation, tick “Add Python to PATH”.
• Verify installation:

python --version

• Create a Virtual Environment (keeps dependencies isolated):

python -m venv venv

• Activate it:
  • Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
  • macOS/Linux: source venv/bin/activate

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2. Choose an Editor

Pick an IDE that makes coding easier:

• VS Code (lightweight and popular)
• PyCharm (great for larger projects)
• Thonny (perfect for beginners)

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3. Create a Simple Project Structure

Organise your files from the start:

my_project/
│
├── venv/            # Virtual environment
├── src/             # Your Python code
│   └── main.py
├── tests/           # Unit tests
├── requirements.txt # Dependencies
└── README.md        # Project description

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4. Write Your First Script

In src/main.py:

def main():
    print("Hello, Python!")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Run it:

python src/main.py

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5. Manage Dependencies

If you need libraries:

pip install requests
pip freeze > requirements.txt

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6. Add Version Control

Use Git to track changes:

git init

Create a .gitignore file and include:

venv/
__pycache__/

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7. Write Tests Early

Testing helps you avoid bugs:

# tests/test_main.py
import unittest
from src.main import main

class TestMain(unittest.TestCase):
    def test_main(self):
        self.assertIsNone(main())

if __name__ == "__main__":
    unittest.main()

Run tests:

python -m unittest discover tests

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8. Document Your Project

Add a README.md explaining:

• What the project does
• How to install and run it
• Any dependencies

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Next Steps

Once you’re comfortable:

• Learn functions, loops, and data structures.
• Explore libraries like math, random, and later pandas or numpy.
• Start small projects (calculator, to-do app, number guessing game).