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Python is a high-level programming language. The language utilizes a straightforward syntax which can make it easy for new users to get started.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 4:
Installing Dependencies
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1Open the Terminal. On Linux, you can press the Alt button to open a search bar. Type "terminal" and click on Terminal.
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2Know the commands. Terminal commands are shown in this document as:
command -options filename.ext
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sudo apt-get install build-essential
- The "sudo" command gives permission to the terminal to modify your computer. This is necessary to install any program. You will be required to enter your password.
- The "apt-get install" command tells the computer to install the package "build-essential" which is required to install Python.
sudo apt-get install libreadline-gplv2-dev libncursesw5-dev libssl-dev libsqlite3-dev tk-dev libgdbm-dev libc6-dev libbz2-dev
- These are programs that Python uses to run correctly. They are also known as “dependencies”.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:
Downloading and Installing Python
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1Download the latest version of Python from the Internet. Use the following command:
cd ~/Downloads/
- The "cd" command changes to the correct working directory so the computer can find and put programs in the right place.
wget http://python.org/ftp/python/2.7.5/Python-2.7.5.tgz
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2Decompress the Python file using the following command:
tar -xvf Python-2.7.5.tgz
cd Python-2.7.5
- Once again, we need to change the working directory. This time, we change to the newly created Python directory.
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3Use the ./configure command checks your computer to ensure you have all the necessary components to install Python. It will alert you of any critical errors.
./configure
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4Use the make command. It compiles the source code and creates the executables.
make
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5Move the applications and libraries. With the following command, all of the applications and libraries associated with Python are moved into the correct places on your computer.
sudo make install
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:
Writing the Script
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1Open a text editor.
- Any text editor that can save files with a ".py" extension will do. Ubuntu 12.04 or greater is packaged with the Gedit editor.
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2Type
print 'Hello, World!'
- In Python, whatever is enclosed in quotes after the word print will be printed out to the screen.
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3Save the file as "hello_world.py.
- Be careful that the file is not saved as "hello_world.py.txt".
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:
Running the Script =
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1Open the Terminal again.
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2Navigate to the directory where "hello_world.py" is located.
- Remember to use the "cd" command to change directories.
- If you need a list of all subdirectories at your current location, use the "ls" command. "ls" stands for "list subdirectories".
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3Run the script:
python hello_world.py
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can I learn how to use Python as an absolute beginner?Simeon WatsonCommunity AnswerUse internet guides or books to teach yourself. This will follow a regular path from newbie to experienced. Usually the path is: print() variables input numbers lists strings. And more.
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QuestionI am not familiar with lists and tuples. How do i go about it?Simeon WatsonCommunity AnswerStart with an online tutorial. If you don't have time for that: here is an explanation: Lists are created this way: listname = []. That creates an empty list. If you want a list containing 1, 8, "hi" and 3.14, you write: listname = [1, 8, "hi", 3.14]. The contents of a list can be canged by the following commands: listname.append(whatever_to_add_to_the_end_of_the_list) listname.remove(watever_to_remove_the_first_occurence_of). Tuples are created this way: tuplename = (). That creates an empty tuple. If you want a tuple containing 1, 8, "hi" and 3.14 you write tuplename = (1, 8, "hi", 3.14). A tuple can not be changed after creation.
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Things You'll Need
- Ubuntu 12.04 or greater
- Your account password
About This Article
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