Beginning Python for Non-Programmers
  • Cover
  • About the Author
  • Introduction to Programming
    • What is Programming?
    • What Programmers Do
    • The Mind of a Programmer
    • How Does a Programmer Think?
  • Programming Languages
    • Python
    • HTML / CSS
    • JavaScript / TypeScript
    • C, C++, C#
    • Java
    • SQL
  • Introduction to Python
    • What is Python?
    • Types of Python Programs
    • Core Tools for Python Programming
      • Python Interpreter
      • Jupyter Notebooks
      • Visual Studio Code
      • Python Playground
      • Pycharm Community Edition
  • Installing Python
    • Step-by-step guide for Windows Users
    • Step-by-step guide for Mac Users
  • Installing Visual Studio Code
    • Step-by-step guide for Windows Users
    • Step-by-step guide for Mac Users
  • Writing and Running Your First Python Program
  • Basic Concepts of Python Programming
  • Control Flow in Python
  • Functions and Reusability
  • Debugging and Problem Solving
  • Exploring More Python Concepts
  • Adding Python Packages with pip
  • Python Web Frameworks
  • Resources for Continued Learning
    • CodeAcademy.com
    • Python.org
    • SoloLearn.com
    • coursera.com
    • udemy.com
    • youtube.com
    • Code With Mosh
    • GameDev.tv
  • Staying Motivated and Practicing Regularly
  • Appendices
    • Beginner Project Ideas for Learning
    • Python Cheat Sheet
    • Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners
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  1. Installing Python

Step-by-step guide for Mac Users

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Last updated 7 months ago

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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: .

  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

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

https://www.python.org
official pip documentation