Installing Python

Hey guys. I am back after some time (actually 1 month).
So. Let's actually do something instead of just talking stuff.
You can start off by Installing Python.

Now, there's a catch. Python has two development versions.
Python 2.x
Python 3.x

You can install any of the two versions, it won't really matter. Although you should know that, the versions are a little different.
I use Python 2.x on my PC, but it shouldn't bias your decision. Some libraries don't work with Python 3.x, but on the other side, it is the future of the python language. (#)

That being said, first you need to Identify your Operating system.
It will be either of the following:
Windows
Mac
Linux (Ubuntu or any other popular distro)

I could've shown you the installation process on my PC, but then again, I don't have a Mac (It costs 1500$ ffs). Neither do I own a Ubuntu (They suck)
Since there are already quite some resources online, describing the installation instructions in detail, I won't be wasting time on it.




NOTE: I have heard a lot of people say that, ActivePython is a great Py Distro, and it's easy to install and stuff, but personally, the normal method is not really Rocket Science. It's hardly a 5-minute process (faster than a Wordpress Install). I think ActivePython is an overkill for such a simple task.

Installation Instructions
(The Instructions are from the book Dive Into Python(3) by Mark Pilgrim)

• py2
• py3

Installing on Windows
Installing on Mac OS X
Installing on Mac OS 9
Installing on RedHat Linux
Installing on Debian GNU/Linux
Installing from Source

Installing on Microsoft Windows

Installing on Mac OS X

Installing on Ubuntu Linux

Installing on Other Platforms

Please do note that, the Black tab is the Highlighted (active) tab and not the white one.
Click on py2 if you have decided to go with Python 2.x and py3 if you want Python 3.x

Now when you're done installing, you get a Python shell called "IDLE". We'll discuss what IDLE is, in detail, later.
Double click to open it.

You 'll get something like this depending on your OS:

Now type in the following: (NOTE: Select py2 or py3 below according to your Python version):

• py2
• py3

>>> print "hello world"

>>> print("hello world")

NOTE: You don't have to type in ">>>". they'll be there in your interpreter. Just type in front of it.

Notice the difference in the two versions. One has print followed by something in quotes, wheres the other version has a print followed by a pair of parenthesis, inside which there is a quoted line.
This is the first difference between Python 2.x and Python 3.x
If you get hello world written below again, then the installation has been successful.
In case you get an error, Comment here and we'll try to troubleshoot the problem.

 If you really didn't understand the latter part about typing in the stuff, just ignore it. We'll go through it in detail next time.

Changelog: 

10-29-2011: Updated the links.