Learning outcomes
- Learner has Python and a code editor installed and working
- Understands why each tool is needed
- Comfortable navigating a terminal and file system
Core concepts
Lessons
Module goal
Get every learner from “I know nothing about coding tools” to “I have a working setup and understand why it works.”
Lesson 1 of 4 · lecture
What is Python and why do we need to install it?
Step 1 of 2
Python is a programming language — but more specifically, it is a language interpreter. Your computer doesn't understand Python natively; it understands machine code. When you install Python, you install a program that reads your code and translates it into instructions your computer can execute, line by line, in real time.
This differs from languages like C or Java, which are compiled into machine code before running. Python interprets as it goes — part of why it is beginner-friendly. You write a line, run it, see the result immediately.
Key point
Without Python installed, your computer cannot run .py files at all. It is the engine that makes everything else in this course possible.
- Go to python.org/downloads
- Download the latest stable version (avoid pre-release/beta builds)
- Windows: tick “Add Python to PATH” during install — the single most common setup mistake
- Mac: Python 3 may need installing separately even if an old Python 2 is present (Python 2 is deprecated)
- Verify with: python --version (or python3 --version on Mac) — expect Python 3.12.x or newer
Guided labs
Your first setup
- 1.Install Python and verify with python --version
- 2.Install VS Code and the Python extension
- 3.Open a terminal (in VS Code: Terminal → New Terminal)
- 4.Create a folder with mkdir python_course
- 5.Move into it with cd python_course
- 6.Create hello.py in VS Code and type the line below
- 7.Save the file, then run: python hello.py
print("Hello, my name is [your name], and I'm starting my coding journey!")Teaching point
Troubleshooting — “python isn't recognized”: Python wasn't added to PATH (reinstall). “File not found”: wrong folder, check with ls/dir. Nothing happens: you forgot to save before running.
Success criteria
The learner sees their personalised message printed in the terminal. This is their first working program.
Knowledge Check
Question 1 of 6
What does installing Python actually do for your computer?
What you read
- Installing Python (python.org)
- Choosing an editor: VS Code vs PyCharm
- Basic terminal commands (cd, ls/dir, mkdir, running a script)
- Why an editor matters: syntax highlighting, debugging tools, error catching
What you understand
Key takeaways
- — Coding requires proper tool setup, not just writing code
- — The terminal is a communication tool, not something to fear
- — Files and folders organize projects logically
Hands-on lab
Lab tasks
- 1.Install Python and an editor
- 2.Write and run a "Hello World" script from the terminal
Knowledge check
- What does a code editor do?
- Why do we use the terminal?
- What is a file path?
Write your answers in your own notes before moving on — explaining a concept in your own words is the fastest way to find the gaps.