Prepare your computer to write Python code

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Summary of what you are going to install:

  1. python
  2. pycharm

Here are the steps:

1) Update the repository (?)

sudo apt update

2) Install python (?)

In many linux distributions you may skip this step as python is already installed.

You can see which version you have installed with the following commands (it depends on the version, unfortunately):

$ python3 --version
$ python --version
$ python -V

On how to find which version you have read more here

Here is a sample code that installs python 3.6

sudo apt install python3.6

3) Set a root password that is easy to type and remember

Ok, some people may claim this is risky but remember that we are setting up a development computer for novices and for assisted coding. If you have important/sensitive data to the same computer (which you shouldn’t) you could skip this step.

Here is a sample code that will change the root password (you will be prompt for the new one).

sudo passwd root

You will be asked for your password. Type it two times.

5) Install your desired IDE

The recommended IDE for python is pycharm community edition.

6) Prepare your taskbar / desktop

Pin the following to your taskbar (or desktop):

  1. a web browser of your choice
  2. the IDE you have installed
  3. optionally a file manager

Unpin any items you don’t need. You will work more efficiently if you keep the desktop clean and tidy.

7) Prepare your workspace for the project (optional)

If you have a specific project or assignment you want to complete then:

  1. create a folder on your desktop
  2. copy to that folder the assignment PDF, any slides or additional resources you were given.

Next step?

Once you have setup the IDE, you could install additional software:

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