Python Installation, VS Code & Environment Setup
๐ Python 3
๐ข Lesson 2 of 12
๐ Phase 1: Python Basics
๐
2026 Edition
Step-by-step installation guide for Windows, macOS, and Linux, configuring python in PATH, setting up VS Code with Python extension, and using Our Compiler zero-install IDE.
1How to Download and Install Python
To run Python locally on your computer, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: python.org/downloads
- Download the latest Python 3 installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- IMPORTANT (Windows): During installation, check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" before clicking Install Now. If you miss this, python commands will not work in Command Prompt/PowerShell.
2Verifying Installation in Terminal
# Check Python Version
$ python --version
Python 3.12.x
# Check Package Installer for Python (pip)
$ pip --version
pip 24.x.x
3Setting up VS Code (Visual Studio Code)
VS Code is the most popular editor for Python development:
- Install VS Code from code.visualstudio.com.
- Open Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X) and search for Python (by Microsoft) and install it.
- Create a new file named
main.py, write your code, and click the Play โถ button in the top right corner.
4Zero-Setup Option: Our Online Compiler
If you don't want to install software on your machine or you are using a mobile/tablet, you can write and run Python 3 directly in your browser with Our Compiler (online-python-compiler.html). It features Monaco Editor, dark theme, interactive inputs, and zero lag.
๐ป Complete Executable Code Example
# Test Your Python Environment
import sys
import platform
print("๐ Welcome to Python 3 Setup!")
print(f"System Architecture: {platform.architecture()[0]}")
print(f"Operating System: {platform.system()} {platform.release()}")
print(f"Python Executable Path: {sys.executable}")
โ ๏ธ Common Pitfall: Forgetting to check "Add Python to PATH" on Windows
If you get "python is not recognized as an internal or external command", re-run the Python installer, select "Modify", and ensure "Add Python to environment variables" is enabled.
๐ป Try It Yourself โ Hands-on Practice Challenge
Verify modules and standard paths in this interactive sandbox.
import math
import os
print("โ
Math module loaded! Pi value:", math.pi)
print("โ
OS Name:", os.name)
print("โ
Environment check passed successfully!")
Run This Code in Our Online Compiler โ
โ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is pip in Python?
pip stands for "Pip Installs Packages". It is the official package management tool for installing third-party Python libraries like requests, numpy, and flask.
Q: What is virtualenv / venv?
A virtual environment creates an isolated folder on your machine for a specific project so its installed dependencies do not clash with global Python packages.
OC
Written by Our Compiler Technical Editorial Team
Reviewed for accuracy & tested on Python 3.12+ runtime ยท Last updated August 2026