Setting Up Your Python Backend Environment

In this lesson, we’ll guide you through setting up a Python-based backend development environment. By the end, you’ll have all the tools needed to run a simple Python program.

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1. Install Python

Download and Install Python

1. Visit the official Python website.
2. Download the latest version of Python for your operating system.
3. During installation, check the box to add Python to PATH (important for running Python commands in your terminal).

Verify Installation

Open your terminal and run:

python --version

Or for some systems:

python3 --version

You should see the installed version of Python.

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2. Install Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a lightweight and powerful code editor, perfect for Python development.

Download and Install VS Code

1. Visit the official VS Code website.
2. Download the installer for your operating system and follow the installation instructions.

Install Python Extension

1. Open VS Code.
2. Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar (or press Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X).
3. Search for "Python" and install the extension provided by Microsoft.

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3. Create a Simple Python Program

Let’s create a simple program to ensure your environment is working correctly.

Step 1: Create a Project Folder

1. Open your terminal and navigate to a folder where you want to create your project.
2. Create a new folder and navigate into it:

   mkdir my-python-project
   cd my-python-project

Step 2: Write Your Program

1. Open VS Code and create a new file called hello.py.
2. Add the following code:

   print("Hello, Python World!")

Step 3: Run Your Program

1. Open your terminal inside VS Code (or use your system terminal).
2. Run the program:

   python hello.py

You should see the output:

Hello, Python World!

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What’s Next?

With your Python environment set up and working, you’re ready to start exploring more advanced topics. In the next lessons, we’ll dive into setting up Flask and building more complex backend applications.