# Python Developer Environment Setup ## Overview This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up a complete Python development environment using Python and PyCharm IDE. ## What You'll Install - **Python** - The core programming language - **PyCharm IDE** - Integrated Development Environment for Python development ## Step 1: Python Installation ### Download Python 1. **Official Website:** Visit [python.org](https://www.python.org/) 2. **Download:** Click on the download link for the latest version of Python 3. **Version:** Always choose the most recent stable version ### Installation Process 1. **Run Installer:** Open the downloaded file to start the installation 2. **Critical Step:** ✅ **Check the box "Add Python to PATH"** (Very Important!) 3. **Install:** Click "Install Now" 4. **Complete:** Follow the installation prompts to completion ### Verify Installation **Windows:** ```cmd python --version ``` **Mac/Linux:** ```bash python3 --version ``` **Expected Result:** You should see the installed Python version number (e.g., Python 3.11.5) ## Step 2: PyCharm IDE Installation ### Download PyCharm 1. **Official Website:** Visit [JetBrains PyCharm](https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/) 2. **Edition:** Choose **Community Edition** (Free) 3. **Download:** Click the download button for your operating system ### PyCharm Installation Steps 1. **Run Installer:** Open the downloaded file 2. **Follow Prompts:** Complete the installation following the setup wizard 3. **Configuration:** Accept default settings unless you have specific preferences ### Launch PyCharm 1. **Open PyCharm** after installation completes 2. **Initial Setup:** Complete the first-time configuration wizard 3. **Theme/Settings:** Choose your preferred theme and settings ## Step 3: Setting Up Your First Python Project ### Create a New Project 1. **Start:** Open PyCharm and click **"New Project"** 2. **Project Type:** Select **"Pure Python"** from the project types list 3. **Location:** Choose where to save your project 4. **Name:** Give your project a meaningful name ### Configure Python Interpreter 1. **Interpreter Settings:** Ensure PyCharm detects your Python installation 2. **Verification:** Check that the correct Python version is selected 3. **Path:** The interpreter path should point to your Python installation ### Create Your First Python File 1. **Right-click** on the project folder in the left panel 2. **New File:** Select **"New" → "Python File"** 3. **Name:** Give your file a descriptive name (e.g., `hello_world.py`) 4. **Start Coding:** Begin writing your Python code! ### Basic Test Code ```python # Test your setup with this simple code print("Hello, Python Developer!") print("Your environment is set up successfully!") # Basic calculation result = 2 + 3 print(f"2 + 3 = {result}") ``` ## Essential Resources & Links ### Official Documentation - **[Python Official Website](https://www.python.org/)** - Main Python homepage - **[Python Documentation](https://docs.python.org/)** - Complete Python documentation - **[Python Tutorial](https://docs.python.org/3/tutorial/)** - Official Python tutorial - **[JetBrains PyCharm](https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/)** - PyCharm IDE homepage - **[PyCharm Documentation](https://www.jetbrains.com/help/pycharm/)** - PyCharm user guide ### Download Links - **[Python Downloads](https://www.python.org/downloads/)** - Latest Python versions - **[PyCharm Community Edition](https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/)** - Free PyCharm download - **[PyCharm Professional](https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/buy/)** - Professional edition (paid) ### Learning Resources - **[Python.org Beginner's Guide](https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide)** - Getting started with Python - **[PyCharm Quick Start Guide](https://www.jetbrains.com/help/pycharm/quick-start-guide.html)** - PyCharm basics - **[Python Package Index (PyPI)](https://pypi.org/)** - Repository of Python packages ## Troubleshooting Common Issues ### Python PATH Issues **Problem:** "Python is not recognized as internal or external command" **Solution:** 1. Reinstall Python and ensure "Add Python to PATH" is checked 2. Manually add Python to PATH environment variable 3. Restart command prompt/terminal after PATH changes ### PyCharm Interpreter Issues **Problem:** PyCharm cannot find Python interpreter **Solution:** 1. Go to **File → Settings → Project → Python Interpreter** 2. Click the gear icon and select **"Add"** 3. Browse to your Python installation directory 4. Select the `python.exe` file ### Permission Issues **Problem:** Installation fails due to permissions **Solution:** 1. Run installer as Administrator (Windows) 2. Use `sudo` for installation (Mac/Linux) 3. Check antivirus software isn't blocking installation ## Special Offers & Additional Information ### Exclusive Offer for Course Students 🎓 **Special Offer:** Free 6-Month License for JetBrains IDEs - **Eligibility:** Exclusive for Job Ready Programmer Students - **Access:** Check the GitHub README file to enroll in the course - **Benefits:** Full access to PyCharm Professional and other JetBrains tools - **How to Claim:** Follow enrollment instructions in the course repository ### Professional vs Community Edition | Feature | Community Edition | Professional Edition | |---------|-------------------|---------------------| | **Price** | Free | Paid Subscription | | **Python Development** | ✅ Full Support | ✅ Full Support | | **Web Development** | ❌ Limited | ✅ Django, Flask, etc. | | **Database Tools** | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Full Database Support | | **Scientific Tools** | ❌ Basic | ✅ Jupyter, Anaconda Integration | | **Version Control** | ✅ Git Support | ✅ Advanced Git Features | ## Next Steps ### Recommended Learning Path 1. **Familiarize** yourself with PyCharm interface 2. **Practice** basic Python syntax and concepts 3. **Explore** PyCharm features (debugging, code completion, etc.) 4. **Install** additional packages as needed for your projects 5. **Configure** version control (Git) for your projects ### Course Integration - **Data Analytics:** This setup prepares you for data science projects - **Package Management:** Learn to install libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib - **Project Organization:** Use PyCharm's project management features - **Debugging:** Utilize PyCharm's powerful debugging tools ## Verification Checklist - [ ] Python installed and accessible from command line - [ ] PyCharm installed and launches successfully - [ ] New Python project created in PyCharm - [ ] Python interpreter correctly configured - [ ] Test Python file created and runs successfully - [ ] Basic Python code executes without errors Your Python development environment is now ready for professional development and data analytics projects!