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🛠️ Environment Setup Guide

Before diving into the codebase and running the examples, you need to set up your Python development environment. Follow these industry-standard steps to get started.

1. Install Python

Python 3.10 or newer is highly recommended for this course (especially for advanced features like match-case in Day 15).

  1. Navigate to the official Python Downloads Page.
  2. Download the latest installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. CRITICAL (Windows Users): During the installation wizard, ensure you check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" before clicking Install. This allows you to run Python from any terminal.

Verify Installation

Open your terminal (Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Terminal) and run:

python --version

You should see output similar to Python 3.12.x.

2. Install a Code Editor (IDE)

While you can write Python in Notepad, using a dedicated Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will make your life significantly easier with syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and built-in terminals.

We strongly recommend Visual Studio Code (VS Code).

VS Code Setup

  1. Download and install VS Code.
  2. Open VS Code and navigate to the Extensions view (click the blocks icon on the left sidebar or press Ctrl+Shift+X).
  3. Search for "Python" and install the official extension provided by Microsoft.

3. Running Your First Script

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Go to File > Open Folder... and select the folder where you cloned this repository.
  3. Create a new file for practice, for example, practice.py.
  4. Add some simple code: 
    print("Hello, Python Masterclass!")
  5. Save the file.
  6. Open the integrated terminal in VS Code (Ctrl + ~ or Terminal > New Terminal).
  7. Run your script by typing: 
    python practice.py

You are now fully equipped to tackle the 30-Day curriculum. Head back to the README to start Day 1!