How to Install Python on macOS?

Ready to roll and install Python on Mac operating system? Excellent decision! You’re on the right path to greatness! In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of installing and setting up Python on your macOS system. Let’s get started!

Before we begin, let’s check if Python is already installed on your Mac. Open the Terminal application (you can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder) and type the following command:

python3 --version

If Python is installed, you’ll see the version number displayed. If not, no worries! We’ll guide you through the installation process.

Downloading Python

To install Python on your Mac, visit the official Python website, You’ll find the latest version of Python available for macOS. Click on the Download button to start the download process.

Once the download is finished, find the installer file (usually located in your Downloads folder) and give it a double-click to initiate the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Python on your mac system. Make sure to select the option to Add Python to PATH during the installation process.

Verifying the Installation

After the installation is complete, let’s verify that Python is installed correctly. Open the Terminal application again and type the following command:

python3 --version

You should see the Python version number displayed, confirming that Python is successfully installed on your Mac.

How to Install Python through Mac terminal?

Before we begin, let’s talk about why installing Python through the Mac Terminal is a great choice. The Terminal gives you more control and flexibility over the installation process, and it’s a preferred method for many developers. Plus, it allows you to take advantage of package managers like Homebrew, which simplifies software installations on macOS.

Installing Homebrew

To streamline the installation process, we’ll use Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS. Homebrew makes it easy to install and manage software packages, including Python. If you don’t have Homebrew installed, don’t fret. Follow these steps to get it up and running:

Open the Terminal and paste the following command:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Press Enter and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Installing Python Using Homebrew

Now that Homebrew is installed, we can use it to install Python. In the Terminal, enter the following command:

brew install python

Homebrew will fetch the latest version of Python and install it on your Mac. Sit back and relax while Homebrew takes care of the heavy lifting.

Verifying the Python Installation

With the installation complete, let’s verify that Python is set up correctly on your system. In the Terminal, enter the following command:

python3 --version

If everything went smoothly, you should see the Python version number displayed on your screen. Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Python on your Mac using Homebrew. It’s a significant milestone in your coding journey, and now you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of Python programming. Let the coding adventures begin!

Running Python Code

Now that you have Python installed, let’s test it out by running some example code. Open a text editor of your choice and enter the following code:

Save the file with a .py extension, such as hello.py. Open the Terminal application and navigate to the folder where you saved the Python file using the cd command. For example:

cd Documents/Python

Once you’re in the correct folder, run the Python file by typing the following command:

python3 hello.py

You’ll see the output displayed in the Terminal:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Python on your Mac and run your first Python code. Now that we have covered how to set up Python on your Mac, let’s move on to another important aspect of your coding environment: setting up a code editor. When it comes to programming, having a reliable and efficient code editor is essential, and luckily, there are several popular code editors available for macOS that can enhance your coding experience.

Choosing a Code Editor

The first step is to choose a code editor that suits your needs. Here are a few popular code editors for macOS:

1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A free and feature-rich code editor developed by Microsoft.
2. Sublime Text: A lightweight and customizable code editor known for its speed and simplicity.
3. Atom: A hackable and highly customizable code editor developed by GitHub.
4. JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA: A powerful IDE (Integrated Development Environment) with extensive features for various programming languages.

Feel free to explore these options and choose the one that resonates with you. For the purpose of this tutorial, let’s proceed with setting up Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

Installing Visual Studio Code

To install VS Code, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official download page of VS Code website.
2. Click on the Download for macOS button to start the download.
3. After the download finishes, simply navigate to the installer file, typically located in your Downloads folder, and proceed by double-clicking on it.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install VS Code on your Mac.

Setting Up Extensions

Extensions are plugins that enhance the functionality of your code editor. VS Code offers a wide range of extensions that can improve your productivity and support different programming languages. Here’s how to set up extensions in VS Code:

1. Launch VS Code.
2. Open the Extensions view by clicking on the square icon on the left sidebar or by pressing Cmd+Shift+X.
3. Search for extensions by typing in the search bar.
4. Click on an extension to view more details and click the Install button to install it.
5. Some popular extensions you might consider are “Python“, “GitLens“, and “Live Server“.

Customizing Your Editor

VS Code allows you to customize various aspects of the editor according to your preferences. You can change themes, keyboard shortcuts, and editor settings. Here’s how to get started with customization:

1. Open the Command Palette by pressing Cmd+Shift+P.
2. Search for “Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)” and select it.
3. This will open the settings.json file where you can modify settings.
4. You can also access the settings GUI by selecting Preferences > Settings from the menu bar.

Feel free to explore the customization options and tailor your editor to suit your coding style and preferences. Now that you have Python and a top-notch code editor like VS Code, you’re all set to start coding like a pro. So, go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and create something amazing. The possibilities are endless! Happy coding!