Cross Platform Python Setup - Install on Mac, Windows, Linux
- Description
- Curriculum
- FAQ
- Reviews
Python is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world. In this course, I’ll show you exactly how to set it up regardless of what operating system your computer is.
The setup process can be very simple (such as download Python and run it) but it can also start to get rather complex. My goal is to break apart this complexity and put it into manageable chunks that allow you to actually have a solid foundation of how to install Python and actually use it in real projects.
This course is the result of nearly a decade of teaching students around the world how to best setup Python environments and develop applications and automations with Python. Based on feedback, this course will continue to be updated and upgraded to ensure you have the best possible way to set up your Python development environment at your fingertips.
Installing Python is one of the most popular blog posts on my website so I created this course as a comprehensive look at installing Python across multiple machines. My favorite part for more advanced users (just beyond beginner) is using and coding Python with a Virtual Machine along with VS Code.
After finishing this, you will be able to install:
- Python 3.5
- Python 3.6
- Python 3.7
- Python 3.8
- Python 3.9
- Python 3.10
- PYthon 3.11
- And any other python version that comes out!
Supported Platforms:
- macOS
- Windows (XP or Later)
- Linux
-
3
Download and install Python 3 -
4
Using the Terminal and the Command Line (CLI)
-
5
Install XCode
How to install XCode:
1. Open up the App Store on your macOS
2. Search and install XCode from Apple
3. Open XCode, Install Additional Components when prompted.
4. Going forward, be sure to run Software Update on your macOS to ensure the latest version of Xcode and Command Line Tools are installed.
A terminal-based way to install Command Line Tools:
macOS Software updates often include the XCode Command Line Tools.
That said, I like running the following command on occasion to ensure I have the latest CLI tools from XCode:
```bash
sudo xcode-select --install
```
The Command Line Tools from XCode are often required for all kinds of software development on macOS which does not always include Python.
-
6
Install Homebrew
-
7
Install Certifi for Certificate or SSL Errors
-
8
Install Other Versions of Python
-
9
Install VS Code
-
10
Using Virtual Environments
-
11
Full Example Python Project
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12
Next Steps for macOS Users
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20
Provision a Virtual Machine with AWS EC2
Think of using a virtual machine like you are renting a computer but one that you don't have physical access to. Virtual Machines, or VMs for short, are often used to serve websites but can be used for almost any type of computing. In our case, it's just to setup a development environment for our Python-based projects!
To provision or use a virtual machine, we have to pick a cloud hosting platform. A few options we have in this course are:
Amazon Web Services
Linode
DigitalOcean
Once you provision a virtual machine on the above cloud hosting platforms, there's a good chance you can do it on nearly any other platform since it's such a common technology. If there's a platform you'd like me to add to this course, please let me know!
Pros to using a VM:
You can spin one up fast, sometimes in seconds
It can be super cheap like $5/mo
Your billed for what you use
You get a feel for production-like environments
You get to learn Linux and build up your technical chops
If you have Internet, there's a good chance you can connect to your VM regardless of the device your on (Windows, Mac, Smartphone, Tablet)
You can delete it anytime and remove future charges
Your development environment better matches a real production environment
Cons to using a VM:
It's really easy to rack up charges and forget to turn VMs off
Saving work done on a VM may require extra steps
If you lose access keys, you can lose everything on the VM
If you don't have an internet connection, you won't be able to connect to the VM
You can accidentally (& easily) delete it with unsaved work
-
21
Generate SSH Keys
-
22
Provision a Virtual Machine With Linode
Think of using a virtual machine like you are renting a computer but one that you don't have physical access to. Virtual Machines, or VMs for short, are often used to serve websites but can be used for almost any type of computing. In our case, it's just to setup a development environment for our Python-based projects!
To provision or use a virtual machine, we have to pick a cloud hosting platform. A few options we have in this course are:
Amazon Web Services
Linode
DigitalOcean
Once you provision a virtual machine on the above cloud hosting platforms, there's a good chance you can do it on nearly any other platform since it's such a common technology. If there's a platform you'd like me to add to this course, please let me know!
Pros to using a VM:
You can spin one up fast, sometimes in seconds
It can be super cheap like $5/mo
Your billed for what you use
You get a feel for production-like environments
You get to learn Linux and build up your technical chops
If you have Internet, there's a good chance you can connect to your VM regardless of the device your on (Windows, Mac, Smartphone, Tablet)
You can delete it anytime and remove future charges
Your development environment better matches a real production environment
Cons to using a VM:
It's really easy to rack up charges and forget to turn VMs off
Saving work done on a VM may require extra steps
If you lose access keys, you can lose everything on the VM
If you don't have an internet connection, you won't be able to connect to the VM
You can accidentally (& easily) delete it with unsaved work
-
23
Provision a VM with DigitalOcean Droplets
Think of using a virtual machine like you are renting a computer but one that you don't have physical access to. Virtual Machines, or VMs for short, are often used to serve websites but can be used for almost any type of computing. In our case, it's just to setup a development environment for our Python-based projects!
To provision or use a virtual machine, we have to pick a cloud hosting platform. A few options we have in this course are:
Amazon Web Services
Linode
DigitalOcean
Once you provision a virtual machine on the above cloud hosting platforms, there's a good chance you can do it on nearly any other platform since it's such a common technology. If there's a platform you'd like me to add to this course, please let me know!
Pros to using a VM:
You can spin one up fast, sometimes in seconds
It can be super cheap like $5/mo
Your billed for what you use
You get a feel for production-like environments
You get to learn Linux and build up your technical chops
If you have Internet, there's a good chance you can connect to your VM regardless of the device your on (Windows, Mac, Smartphone, Tablet)
You can delete it anytime and remove future charges
Your development environment better matches a real production environment
Cons to using a VM:
It's really easy to rack up charges and forget to turn VMs off
Saving work done on a VM may require extra steps
If you lose access keys, you can lose everything on the VM
If you don't have an internet connection, you won't be able to connect to the VM
You can accidentally (& easily) delete it with unsaved work
-
24
Shortcuts with SSH & the Command Line
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25
Using SSH with VSCode Remote-SSH Extension
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26
Install Python 3 on Linux
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27
Install & Build Python from the Source
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28
The Challenges of Python Pip
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29
Solving Python Package Issues
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30
Creating your first Virtual Environment
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31
Setup a Dev Project 3 Times on 3 different Virtual Machines
