Certificate in Python Programming · Introduction to Python, Installing Python and IDE Setup

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Introduction to Python 5

Welcome to Python Programming
Installing Python and IDE Setup
Your First Python Program
Python Syntax Basics
1.5 Python Tools for Zambian Learners — IDLE, VS Code, and Mobile Apps

Data Types and Variables 5

Numbers in Python
Strings and String Methods
Lists and Tuples
Dictionaries and Sets
2.5 Type Conversion and User Input: Building a Bus Fare Calculator

Control Flow 5

If-Else Statements
For Loops
While Loops
Control Flow Quiz
3.5 Planning Code with Pseudocode and Flowcharts

Functions and Modules 4

4.1 Defining and Calling Functions
4.2 Parameters, Arguments, and Return Values
4.3 Built-in Modules and Creating Your Own Module
4.4 Building a ZESCO Token Cost Calculator with Functions

Object-Oriented Programming 4

5.1 Classes and Objects: Modelling Real Things
5.2 Attributes and Methods
5.3 Inheritance and Reusing Code
5.4 Building a Small Business Class in Python

File Handling and Exceptions 4

6.1 Reading and Writing Text Files
6.2 Handling Errors with try and except
6.3 Working with CSV Files for Business Records
6.4 Planning a Backup System for Load-Shedding

Introduction to Python

Installing Python and IDE Setup

Certificate in Python Programming

30 min

Installing Python and IDE Setup

By the end of this lesson you will have Python installed on a computer and a place to write code, and you will be able to confirm that everything works.

Step 1: Download Python

Go to python.org/downloads and download the latest version for your system (Windows is most common in our labs). Run the installer.

Very important on Windows: on the first screen of the installer, tick the box that says "Add Python to PATH" before clicking Install. This one tick saves you many headaches later.

Step 2: Confirm it installed

Open Command Prompt (search "cmd" in the Start menu) and type:

python --version

If you see something like Python 3.12.0, you are ready. If it says "not recognised", Python was likely installed without the PATH tick - re-run the installer and tick it.

Step 3: Choose where to write code (an IDE or editor)

An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a program for writing and running code comfortably. Two good free choices:

IDLE - comes free with Python. Open it from the Start menu. Perfect for beginners; nothing to install.
VS Code - a powerful free editor from Microsoft. Install the "Python" extension after installing VS Code. This is what many professionals use.

For this course, IDLE is enough to start. Move to VS Code when you feel ready.

Try It Yourself

Open IDLE. You will see a window with >>> - this is the Python shell.
Type print("I installed Python") and press Enter.
If your message appears, congratulations - your setup works.

Key Terms

Install - to put a program onto your computer.
PATH - a setting that lets you run Python from anywhere on Windows.
IDE - a program for writing, running and fixing code.
IDLE - the simple editor that ships with Python.
Shell - the window where you can type Python one line at a time.

Summary

Download Python from python.org, tick "Add to PATH", confirm with python --version, and write code in IDLE or VS Code. With your tools ready, the next lesson is your first real program.

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