How to Install Python on Mac and Write Your First Python Script

Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language widely used in various domains, including web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. If you’re a Mac user looking to start your Python journey, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Python on your Mac and guide you in writing your first Python script.

Step 1: Check for Pre-installed Python

Before installing Python, check if your Mac already has Python pre-installed. Open the Terminal app (Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and type the following command:

$ python3 --version

If you see a version number, Python is already installed. However, it’s recommended to install the latest version to ensure you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.

If you see the above error message, it suggests that the Command Line Tools required for development are missing or not installed on your Mac.

To install the Command Line Tools, open a terminal and run the following commnad:

xcode-select --install

Step 2: Install Homebrew (Package Manager)

Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS that simplifies the installation of various software packages, including Python. To install Homebrew, open the Terminal and run the following command:

$ /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Follow the instructions in the Terminal to complete the installation process.

Step 3: Install Python

With Homebrew installed, you can now easily install Python on your Mac. Open the Terminal and run the following command:

$ brew install python

This command will download and install the latest version of Python on your system.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To ensure Python was installed successfully, open the Terminal and run the following command:

$ python3 --version

You should see the version number of the Python installation displayed.

Step 5: Writing Your First Python Script

Now that you have Python installed, it’s time to write your first Python script. Open a text editor (such as TextEdit) and create a new file with a .py extension. Let’s start with a simple “Hello, World!” program. Type the following code into your text editor:

print("Hello, World!")

Save the file with a memorable name, such as hello_world.py.

Step 6: Run Your Python Script

To execute your Python script, open the Terminal and navigate to the directory where you saved your hello_world.py file. Use the cd command to change the directory, for example:

$ cd Documents/PythonScripts

Once you’re in the correct directory, run the following command to execute the Python script:

$ python3 hello_world.py

You should see the output “Hello, World!” displayed in the Terminal, indicating that your script ran successfully.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Python on your Mac and written your first Python script. From here, you can explore the vast world of Python and its rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks. Python is a versatile language that can be used for a wide range of applications, so continue learning and experimenting to unlock its full potential.

Happy coding!