In the digital era, software and web applications are revolutionizing all industries – be it technology, travel, retail, or healthcare. With so many tech advancements and coding platforms, businesses consider Python a low-cost programming language that doesn’t demand much maintenance.
The article enumerates some of the basic things that you need to know if you are planning to learn Python on Mac. We will also discuss the benefits of the language along with the process of setting up Python on macOS.
In order to get started with Python programming, you need to install it on the device.
Install Python on macOS
Check whether you have Python pre-installed on your computer. To do this, launch Terminal and then type in Python – version. If it’s installed on the computer, you are good to go. If it isn’t, you can download it manually by visiting the Python website.
Once you click the download button, you will see a PKG file downloading on your computer. Once the download completes, go to the Downloads folder and double-click the PKG file to open the installer.
After installing Python on Mac, you might get a lot of notifications to update the language or related components. If you do not wish to receive any notifications, you can enable the do not disturb on Mac feature, and notifications will route automatically to the Notification Center. Then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation process.
Install Text Editor on macOS
By default, the Python coding files ending in .py will open in TextEdit. However, writing files that are in non-ASCII format is known to mess things up. The text editor lacks any formatting options, so you may need to install an editor.
For better editing, use the IDLE text editor in Python. When you first install Python, the text editor comes integrated into the bundle, and you can find it in the Applications folder. IDLE is an integrated development environment that allows you to edit code to check the output.
IDLE is the easiest editor and the most appropriate one for beginners. Once the users gain some experience, they can move to more advanced text editors. Other third-party text editors that you can use to learn Python on Mac include:
TextWrangler
The lightweight and free text editor that you can download from the App Store. TextWrangler is a lighter version of BBEdit and integrates all the essential features you need. This editor is an appropriate option for both beginners and professionals Python users.
PyCharm
One of the most user-centric Python IDEs available in the market as a free and paid version. The paid version of PyCharm offers extensive features such as web-development support, access to plugins, text highlighting, and more. The free version is ideal for beginners.
Eclipse
To use Eclipse, coders will need to install Eclipse IDE for JavaScript and Web Developers. Next, you need to add the PyDev plugin. The Eclipse and PyDev, when paired together, make a great IDE for Python that offers excellent features and is updated regularly.
Benefits of Python: Why You Should Learn It?
Python, a high-level programming language developed around 1991, has ballooned in popularity. The language offers quite a lot of benefits over other programming languages.
Simplicity
One of the best benefits of the Python language is the simple text that makes it highly readable. Due to the simplicity of the language, you don’t have to memorize complex syntax. You can focus more on the programming concepts.
Power
Despite its simple nature, Python is a robust programming language that allows businesses to build powerful apps. Whether you are looking to begin a career in Machine Learning, web application development, or gaming, Python is for you.
Cost-Intensive
Python is simple and open source which implies that you don’t have to buy a subscription to use the coding platform. Numerous programs are spending too much time and putting in a lot of effort to improve Python. Plus, you get access to a lot of text editors for free.
Large Community
Over the past few years, Python has gained immense popularity. The programming language has a huge community and tons of learning material available online. Regardless of whether you are facing a simple or a complex issue, someone is there to help you out.
Broader Scope
Learning Python is rewarding as it brings along a wide array of career options. Similar to JavaScript and Java, Python has gained much traction and has become one of the most in-demand programming languages across the globe.
The Conclusion
So far, you must have understood the basics of Python, such as its benefits, why you must use it, and what options you have when it comes to text editors in Python. Learning Python code is easy. Regardless of the operating system, you are planning to learn or use Python on; it’s easy to learn; you need to invest time, though.
To print something on the screen, the coders need to type a simple command named ‘print’. Most commands are based on contextual words and common scripts that we use in the English language.