Step-by-step guide for Mac Users

If you’re using a Mac, Python might already be pre-installed. However, it’s usually an older version, so it’s best to install the latest version of Python to ensure you have all the latest features. Follow these steps to install Python on your macOS system.

Step 1: Check for Pre-Installed Python

  1. Open the Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight (press Cmd + Space, type “Terminal,” and press Enter).

  2. In the Terminal, type the following command and press Enter:

    python3 --version

  3. If you see a version of Python 3 (e.g., Python 3.8.5), you already have Python installed. However, it’s still a good idea to install the latest version from the official website for development purposes.

Step 2: Download the Python Installer

  1. Open your web browser and go to the official Python website: https://www.python.org.

  2. Click on the Downloads tab and select the macOS version of Python.

  3. Click the Download Python (version number) button to download the latest installer.

Step 3: Install Python

  1. Once the installer is downloaded, open it from your Downloads folder.

  2. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard. It will guide you through installing Python on your Mac.

  3. Important: Make sure to install the recommended components, including pip (the Python package installer), which comes bundled with the installation.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

  1. Open the Terminal again.

  2. To verify the installation, type the following command and press Enter:

    python3 --version

  3. You should see the version of Python that you installed (e.g., Python 3.10.0).

Step 5: Verify pip Installation

  1. In the Terminal, type the following command to check if pip (the Python package installer) is installed:

    pip3 --version

  2. If pip was installed correctly, you will see a version number like pip 21.2.4. If it’s not installed, refer to the official pip documentation for instructions.

With Python and pip installed, you’re ready to start programming in Python on your Mac! Next, we’ll cover setting up Visual Studio Code for Python development.

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