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Python For Kids · Lesson

Tools and Environment Setup

Prepare your coding environment to start building Python projects.

Tools and Environment Setup is a free Python For Kids lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 3 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Python For Kids learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.

1

Tools and Environment Setup

Before you start coding in Python, you need to set up the right tools and environment. Let’s get everything ready so you can begin your programming journey!

Tools and Environment Setup — illustration 1

2

What is Python?

Python is a programming language that lets you tell the computer what to do. To write and run Python code, you need two main things: Python itself and a place to write your code called a code editor.

3

Installing Python

First, you need to install Python on your computer. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Go to the official Python website: python.org
  2. Click on the "Downloads" section.
  3. Select the version recommended for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  4. Download and run the installer.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

4

Verifying the Installation

After installing Python, let's make sure everything is set up correctly:

  1. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
  2. Type python --version and press Enter.
  3. You should see the Python version number you just installed.

If you see the version number, you're all set!

5

Choosing a Code Editor

A code editor is where you'll write your Python programs. Here are two popular options:

  • IDLE: Comes pre-installed with Python. Great for beginners!
  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A powerful and free editor with many features.

6

Installing Visual Studio Code

If you choose to use VS Code, follow these steps to install it:

  • Visit the VS Code website: code.visualstudio.com
  • Click on the "Download" button for your operating system.
  • Run the installer and follow the instructions.
  • Once installed, open VS Code to start writing code!

7

Writing Your First Python Program

Now that you have Python and a code editor installed, let’s write your first program!

  • Open your code editor (IDLE or VS Code). 
  • Create a new file and name it hello.py. 
  • Type the following code and save the file.
print("Hello, Python!")

8

Running Your Python Program

Let’s see your program in action:

  1. Open the Command Prompt or Terminal.
  2. Navigate to the folder where you saved hello.py.
  3. Type python hello.py and press Enter.

You should see the message:

Hello, Python!

Great job! You’ve successfully written and run your first Python program.

9

Exploring Your Code Editor

Take some time to explore your code editor. Try opening new files, writing simple Python commands, and running them. Familiarizing yourself with the editor will make coding easier and more fun!

10

You're Ready to Code!

Now that your tools and environment are set up, you're ready to start learning Python.

Tools and Environment Setup — illustration 10

Frequently asked questions

Is the “Tools and Environment Setup” lesson free?

Yes — the full text of “Tools and Environment Setup” is free to read here on the web, and the Python For Kids course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Python For Kids course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.

What will I learn in “Tools and Environment Setup”?

Prepare your coding environment to start building Python projects. You practise Python For Kids with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.

Do I need any experience to start Python For Kids?

No prior experience is required. Python For Kids on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 3 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.

How long does the “Tools and Environment Setup” lesson take?

Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.

Can I write and run code in this Python For Kids lesson?

Yes. Every Python For Kids lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.

All lessons in this course

  1. What is Programming?
  2. Why Learn Python?
  3. Tools and Environment Setup
  4. Your First Python Code
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