Welcome to Lesson 1 of the Python Tutorial Series for Beginners! 🎉

In this first lesson, we’ll cover:

• What Python is and why it’s popular
• How to install Python on your computer
• Setting up a code editor (VS Code)
• Writing and running your very first Python program

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have Python running on your system and a working “Hello, World!” program. 🚀

🔹 What is Python?

Python is a high-level, beginner-friendly programming language known for its simple syntax and wide range of applications — from web development and data analysis to AI, automation, and game development.

It’s a great first language because:

• Easy to read and write (like plain English)
• Huge community and support
• Lots of free tutorials and libraries

🔹 Step 1: Installing Python

1. Go to the official website: https://www.python.org/downloads/
2. Download the latest version of Python (at least Python 3.10 or above).
3. During installation, check the box “Add Python to PATH” (important step).
4. Complete the installation process.

🔹 Step 2: Verify Installation

Open your terminal (Command Prompt on Windows, Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

python --version 

or sometimes:

python3 --version 

If installed correctly, you should see something like:

Python 3 . 12 . 2  

🔹 Step 3: Install VS Code (Code Editor)

While you can write Python in any text editor, using Visual Studio Code (VS Code) makes coding easier with syntax highlighting, debugging tools, and extensions.

1. Download VS Code: https://code.visualstudio.com/
2. Install it like any regular software.
3. Open VS Code and install the Python extension (from Microsoft).

🔹 Step 4: Writing Your First Python Program

Let’s create our first program!

1. Open VS Code.
2. Create a new file named hello.py.
3. Type the following code:

print ( "Hello, World!" ) 

4. Save the file.
5. Open the terminal in VS Code and run:

python hello.py 

If everything worked, you’ll see:

hello, Learner! 

🎉 Congratulations! You just wrote your first Python program.

🔹 Exercises for Beginners

Try the following to practice:

1. Modify your program to print your name:

2. Print multiple lines of text:

3. Challenge: Ask the computer to print a simple pattern, like:

🎯 Recap

In this lesson, you learned:
✅ What Python is and why it’s useful
✅ How to install Python and verify it’s working
✅ How to set up VS Code with Python extension
✅ How to write and run your first “Hello, World!” program

You’re now ready to move on to Lesson 2: Variables & Data Types in Python. 🚀