1. Learning the basics

There are a few ways we can use Python. Usefully, we can type code into the interpreter and execute it immediately. In this section, that is how I want you to run code.

In Windows (or Linux!) open a terminal window and type python. In some versions of Linux, you need to type python3.

I will carry out my exercises using a Windows 11 desktop. You can carry out this work on almost any modern platform.

You should have already installed Python as per my notes.

You should have already installed Notepad ++ as per my notes.

Before you begin, create a directory to keep example files in and you are ready to code.

This could be on your OneDrive, in these examples, I am using OneDrive\Python\Exercises_01

I am using the command line interpreter (CLI) or interactive shell for some of these notes. This lets me run simple code and interpret the output immediately.

I also use Notepad ++ for other exercises. Use the editor of your choice.

In the notes, I mention PEPs from time to time. These are Python Enhancement Proposals, the way we standardize and improve Python.