Introduction
Python is a high-level programming language used widely in many applications like web scripting, scientific computing, text/data mining, regular expression matching, networking and communications, system administration, image processing, software development, etc. Since 2008, Python has consistently ranked in the top eight most popular programming languages[1].
Python is easier to learn and the syntaxes (structure of commands used) are very intuitive. It makes is easier for the programmers, developers, researchers, administrators, etc., to accomplish complex tasks. Python supports object oriented and functional type of programming as well.
Applications of Python : Click on the link to see the many application areas where Python is used.
Installation Guide for Python
Python is supported on all the major operating systems:
Not sure which one (Python 2 or Python 3) to install? Check out this link for an extensive explanation and suggestions.
Need help with installation?
Windows 7: Check out this page
Mac OS: Visit this page.
Linux: Check this page for Python 3
Check this page for Python 2
After installing Python on your computer, you would need a text editor to write your Python scripts. Using a text editor, you can write long scripts with multiple functions and save it (with a .py extension) for future use. Though Python script could be written in any text editor, there are some preferred ones. The list of all available text editors for Python can be found at: https://wiki.python.org/moin/PythonEditors
One of the most popular text editor is Eclipse IDE. To use Python with Eclipse you would need a plug-in called PyDev. Please click on the following link to see a step by step guide on installing PyDev plugin in Eclipse IDE: http://www.rose-hulman.edu/class/csse/resources/Eclipse/eclipse-python-configuration.htm
Want to know more? Visit https://www.python.org/
Installation Guide for Anaconda Distribution and (or) Jupyter Notebook
1. Anaconda is supported on all the major operating systems:
Anaconda installs Jupyter Notebook alongside Python, IPython and other commonly used packages for scientific computing and data science. Installing Jupyter Notebook by Anacona installation is highly recommended for new users
2. Installing stand alone Jupyter via command line (For more experienced Python users)
Prerequisite: Python 3.3 or greater, or Python 2.7 and pip
If Python and pip are already installed and on the PATH environment variable
Python 2 - pip install jupyter
Python 3 - pip3 install jupyter
For more info on setting up Python and pip for command line on this page or this one
[1] Source: Wikipedia
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