Beginner's Guide to Python

New to programming? Python is free, and easy to learn if you know where to start! This guide will help you to get started quickly.

New to Python?

• Read our brief overview of Python to learn the key points.
• First, you need to get the Python interpreter installed on your computer. (This is the program that reads Python programs and carries out their instructions; you need it before you can do any Python programming.) See "Downloading Python" for instructions for downloading the correct version of Python.
• You'll want to select a text editor that has support for Python.
• Next, you're going to want to read a tutorial and try some simple experiments with your new Python interpreter.
  • If you've never programmed before, see "Python for Non-Programmers".
  • If you have previous programming experience, consult "Python for Programmers", which lists more advanced tutorials.
  • If English isn't your first language, you might be more comfortable with a tutorial that's been translated into your language. Consult python.org's list of Non-English resources.
• Once you've read a tutorial, you can browse through Python's online documentation. It includes a tutorial that may be helpful, a Library Reference that lists all of the modules that come standard with Python, and the Language Reference for a complete (if rather dry) explanation of Python's syntax.
• Most Python books will include an introduction; see the book list for suggested titles.
• Consult the "Examples and Sample Code" page for small programs and little snippets of code that can help you learn.
• Need help from a human? Read "Getting Help" for mailing lists and newsgroups.
• Or, you can pay for a Python course.
• Teachers can join the EDU-SIG, a mailing list for discussion of Python's use in teaching at any level ranging from K-12 up to university.

Looking for a particular Python module or application?

• The first place to look is the Python Package Index.
• If you can't find anything relevant in the Package Index, try searching python.org - you can find anything mentioned on the Python site, in the FAQs, or in the newsgroup. More info: where to search.
• Next, try Google or other search engine of your choice. Searching for "python" and some relevant keywords will usually find something relevant.
• Finally, you can try posting a query to the comp.lang.python Usenet group.

Want to contribute?

• Python is a product of the Python Software Foundation, a non-profit organization that holds the copyright. Donations to the PSF are tax-deductible in the USA, and you can donate via credit card or PayPal.
• To report a bug in the Python core, use the Python Bug Tracker at SourceForge.
• To contribute a bug fix or other patch to the Python core, read the Python Developer's Guide for more information about Python's development process.
• To contribute to the official Python documentation, join the Documentation SIG, write to docs@python.org, or use the Patch Manager to contribute a documentation patch.
• To announce your module or application to the Python community, use comp.lang.python.announce. See the guide to Python mailing lists for more information.
• To propose changes to the python core, post your thoughts to comp.lang.python. If you have an implementation, follow the Python Patch Guidelines.

Did we miss your concern?

• Contact webmaster@python.org and let us know how we can help!