Python for beginners

In this tutorial we will install python and accomplish basic number, string and file operations. We will create an example project which will result in our very own application that can be run on PC. Since the concept is aiming for a full view on software development, we will relatively early start using additional tools to enhance our development process. They are very easy to install and learn so don't worry. We will go step by step.

Installing python

We will install the latest version of python which is python3. Depending on which operating system you are using, choose the respective steps - either for Windows or Linux.

Windows

Navigate to https://www.python.org/downloads/ and download the latest version for Windows.
Run the downloaded installer.
If you're not sure, don't change any settings during installation. Just leave everything at default.
Check your installation. To do this, open a command line window (CMD) by pressing the windows button on your keyboard and typing:
```
cmd
```
The command prompt should show up in the search. Press enter (↵) or click on it.
In the command prompt, type
```
python
```
and press enter (↵). A text should be printed including your python version and some other information. You've now opened the python command line interface using the Windows CMD.
Close python for now by pressing CTRL+Z and then enter (↵). Leave the command prompt window open. We will use it later.

Writing basic python scripts for doing calculations and text processing

Even though the python command line tool can process instructions interactively, we are going to skip this part and directly go over to creating runnable python script files. This is because it's closer to programming as it's done in research and business context.