1.3 Downloading and Installing Python (BT101CO)

Windows

1. Download: Go to python.org.
2. Crucial Step: Run the .exe and check the box that says "Add Python to PATH". If you miss this, your CLI won't recognize the python command.
3. Install: Select "Install Now."
4. Verify: Open PowerShell and type python --version.

macOS

While macOS comes with a version of Python, it’s usually outdated.

1. Homebrew (Recommended): Open Terminal and type:
   brew install python
2. Official Installer: Alternatively, download the macOS 64-bit universal2 installer from python.org.
3. Verify: Type python3 --version in Terminal.

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Python is usually pre-installed. To update or install:

1. Update: sudo apt update
2. Install: sudo apt install python3
3. Verify: Type python3 --version.

• REPL: Type python (Windows) or python3 (Mac/Linux) to enter the interactive shell. You'll see >>>, where you can run code line-by-line.
• Running Files: Navigate to your folder and type python myscript.py.
• Pip: This is Python's package manager. Use it to install libraries: pip install requests.

Visual Studio Code (The Standard)

1. Install: Download from code.visualstudio.com.
2. Python Extension: Click the Extensions icon (square blocks) and search for "Python" by Microsoft.
3. Interpreter Selection: Press Ctrl+Shift+P, type "Python: Select Interpreter," and pick the version you just installed.
4. Extras: VS Code now features GitHub Copilot Native, allowing for real-time code generation and refactoring.

Future Note: Antigravity

For those looking for an "agent-first" experience, Google’s Antigravity platform (released recently) offers an environment where AI agents help plan and execute code autonomously, changing the role of a programmer to an Architect.