Try Python without installing

online python - requires javascript-enabled browser. Please don't abuse this site - if you want to use it, install it.

To install python:

• on Windows, you need to download and install it (double-click to run downloaded .exe file - the installer).
• On Mac, I have no idea if it is installed by default (please tell me). If not, install it using standard Mac methods.
• On Linux, it is most likely already installed. If not, follow install guide for your distribution.
• You can also download and burn Ubuntu LiveCD and run python directly from this LiveCD (and later use it to install Ubuntu).

To check installed python:

• Find Python IDE (called IDLE) in program menu and run it, or
• Open terminal window and type 'python'

First baby steps with Python

Introduction to Programming at wikiversity -

Beginner's Guide has many good resources (also in languages other than English). Follow your own intuition, or try themin this order:

• Start with elementary introduction to python environment (IDLE), no previous knowledge is necessary
• Read Instant Hacking - quick and to the point, if you have little bit of experience. Copy-paste examples, and try to change them a little. And do exercises.

Your first Python Books

Excellent online books with basics (no object oriented programming to get you confused):

Dick Baldwin's tutorial - the best, with good contens

Python Tutorial at wikibooks: maybe little too simple: look pu explanation if Baldwin book is confusing

Alan Gauld's book (advanced topic, like OOP clearly marked)

or any from non-programmers guide to python.

Let me know which one you picked, and how did you liked it.

How Python works

• How Python runs programs

(more is coming later)