Introduction to Python: What is Python, Why Learn It, and How to Get Started

Welcome to the first lesson in our Python Essential Training series. In this article, we’ll answer an important question: What is Python? We’ll also look at why Python is so popular, how it differs from compiled languages, and finally set up your environment to run your very first Python program.

What Is Programming?

At its core, programming is about telling a computer what to do. A program is simply a set of instructions. Just as a cooking recipe provides steps for preparing a dish, a program provides steps for solving a problem.

Programs can be written in different programming languages. Some are compiled into machine code, others are interpreted line by line.

Compiled Code vs Script Code

Languages like C, C++, or Java are called compiled languages. The code you write must first be compiled into machine language (0s and 1s) before it can run. Once compiled, the program runs very fast, but compiling requires an additional step.

On the other hand, languages like Python are scripting languages. Instead of compiling first, they use an interpreter that reads and executes the code line by line. This makes development quicker and easier for beginners, since you can run and test your code immediately.

Example:

// C program (compiled)
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
    printf("Hello, World!");
    return 0;
    }

# Python program (interpreted / script)
print("Hello, World!")

Notice how the Python version is just one simple line! That’s why Python is considered beginner-friendly.

What Is Python?

Python is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language created by Guido van Rossum in 1991. Its main philosophy is that code should be easy to read and write. Python emphasizes simplicity, productivity, and clarity.

Python is used in a wide range of applications, including web development, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, finance, and robotics. Its flexibility makes it one of the most popular programming languages in the world.

Fun fact: Python was named after the British comedy show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” not the snake!

Why Learn Python?

• Beginner Friendly: Python has simple syntax, almost like plain English.
• Versatile: Used in web apps, data science, AI/ML, automation, and more.
• Huge Community: Millions of developers, tons of tutorials, and open-source libraries.
• High Demand: Python is one of the most requested skills in tech jobs worldwide.

If you want to start programming in 2025, Python is an excellent choice.

How Python Works (Interpreter)

When you run a Python program, the Python interpreter translates your code into machine instructions line by line. This means you don’t need to compile — you just write and run your code.

For example:

>>> print("2 + 3 =", 2 + 3)
2 + 3 = 5

The interpreter directly executes each line and shows results immediately. That’s why Python is great for experimenting and learning.

Setting Up Your Python Environment

Let’s install everything you need to get started:

1. Install Python

Download the latest version of Python from the official website: python.org/downloads. During installation, check the box “Add Python to PATH”.

2. Install pip (Python Package Manager)

pip comes pre-installed with modern Python versions. You can check it by running:

pip --version

3. Install Jupyter Notebook (Optional but Recommended)

Jupyter Notebook is an interactive environment great for learning and data analysis. Install it using pip:

pip install notebook

Then run it:

jupyter notebook

This will open an interactive notebook in your browser where you can write Python code and see results instantly.

Your First Python Program

Now let’s write our very first program. Open your terminal or Jupyter Notebook and type:

print("Hello, World!")

You should see this output:

Hello, World!

Congratulations! You've just written and executed your first Python script.

A Python script is simply a text file that contains Python code. You can write Python code in the most basic text editor (like Notepad) or even run it interactively in a browser notebook, as we did earlier. When you save the code into a file (e.g., hello.py) and run it with the Python interpreter (python hello.py), the instructions inside are executed line by line.

However, for real development, it’s best to use an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). An IDE makes coding easier by providing helpful features:

• Syntax highlighting – Colors different parts of code for readability.
• Code suggestions & auto-completion – Helps you write faster and with fewer mistakes.
• Debugging tools – Makes it easier to find and fix errors.
• Integrated terminal – Run your scripts without leaving the editor.

Installing VS Code for Python Development

One of the most popular IDEs for Python is Visual Studio Code (VS Code) because it’s free, lightweight, and works across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

1. Download and Install VS Code

Go to the official website code.visualstudio.com and download the installer for your operating system. Install it with the default options.

2. Install the Python Extension

Once VS Code is installed, open it and go to the Extensions Marketplace (left sidebar icon or press Ctrl+Shift+X). Search for Python (by Microsoft) and install it.

This extension provides Python language support, linting, debugging, and more.

3. Install the Jupyter Extension (Optional but Recommended)

For running Python notebooks directly in VS Code, also install the Jupyter extension. With it, you can create and run .ipynb files inside VS Code just like in Jupyter Notebook in your browser.

4. Verify Your Setup

1. Create a new file and save it as test.py.
2. Add this code: print("VS Code setup successful!")
3. Right-click inside the editor and select Run Python File in Terminal.

If you see the output in the integrated terminal, your environment is ready!

Key Takeaways

• Python is an interpreted scripting language — no compilation step required.
• It’s one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages.
• You learned the difference between compiled code and scripts.
• You installed Python, pip, and Jupyter Notebook.
• You ran your very first Python program!

In the next lesson, we’ll dive into Python Basics — learning about syntax, variables, and data types.