Python Language Introductions For Kids
Python is a general-purpose, versatile programming language. It is great as a first language for kids to learn to code. Concepts of Input, Output, Pixels, and memory are introduced.
Python can be used for everything from engineering and scientific applications, web development, and game development, to graphics programming.
On this page, you’ll learn:
- How to download and install Python on your computer
- What Python Integrated Development Environment (IDLE) is and how to use it to write Python programs
- Python start-up screen (Python Shell Window) and the Python prompt
- The terms used in computer terminology
- How to add comments to your code
Python History
Python was developed by Guido van Rossum in the late eighties and early nineties at the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science in the Netherlands. It was named after a popular 1970’s BBC TV show, called the Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
Python is developed under OSI-approved open-source license, making it freely usable and distributeable, even for commercial use. Python’s license is administered by the Python Software Foundation.
How to Download and Install Python to Your Computer
Before you can write any Python computer program, you will need to install a Python interpreter on your computer.
The procedure to install Python on your computer is described below for Windows machines. On Mac or UBUNTU machines, the procedure is similar. If you use Mac or a UNIX computer, check the following site for information to install Python on Mac or Ubuntu computers.
<a href=”https://wiki.python.org/moin/BeginnersGuide/Download“>
How to Install Python on Windows Computers
To install Python for Microsoft Windows computers, follow the below steps:
- Point a web browser to the link below and download the latest Python release.
<a href=”https://www.python.org/downloads/“>
Follow the instructions on this link and Python will be installed at the below location on your computer.
C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python37-32
2. Next step is to add a Python 3 shortcut to your desktop as follows:
- Right-click anywhere on the desktop, select new in the dialog box that appears, then click shortcut.
- In the dialog window, copy and paste the above link.
- Once Python has been installed on your computer, you should now have an icon on your Windows desktop labeled IDLE or pythonw.
The Python IDLE is basically a text editor that lets you execute Python programs. IDLE is acronym for Integrated DeveLopment Environment.
Note 1: Always launch Python shell from this shortcut on the desktop, and not from the Microsoft Start button in the left-hand corner of the screen.
Note 2: All examples in this tutorial were developed on Microsoft Windows 10 computer with Python version 3.7.3 release date March 25, 2019, or version 3.8.1 release date Dec 18, 2019, 22:39:24. This version of Python will not work on Windows XP or earlier Windows versions.
References
For in-depth exploration, refer to:
<a href=”https://wiki.python.org/moin/FrontPage“>
<a href=”https://www.python.org/“>
