Chapter 1: Python Introduction & Getting Started

Chapter 1 Python Introduction and Getting Started overview
Overview of beginner topics covered in Chapter 1, from Python basics and history to installation and development tools.

Chapter Overview

Welcome to the first step of your programming journey. This chapter is designed to take you from zero to writing your very first line of Python code. You’ll explore what makes Python one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages, learn how to set up your development environment, and write a simple Hello, World! program. By the end of this chapter, you’ll have a solid foundation in Python and a working setup, ready to move on to more advanced topics.


What You Will Learn in This Chapter

In this chapter, you will learn:

  • What Python is and why it’s a great choice for beginners
  • The key features that make Python easy to read and write
  • Where Python is used in real-world applications
  • A brief history of Python and how it evolved over time
  • The main advantages and limitations of Python
  • How Python compares to other programming languages
  • How to install Python and run your first program

Lessons in This Chapter

Below is a list of all the lessons included in this introductory series. Click on any topic to dive into the full tutorial.


Lesson 1: What is Python? The Ultimate Guide for Beginners (2026)

This lesson introduces Python as a programming language and explains why it’s beginner-friendly and widely used.

What you’ll learn:


Lesson 2: The Evolution and History of Python: From Hobby Project to Global Dominance (1989–2026)

This lesson explores the evolution and history of Python, tracing its journey from a small hobby project in 1989 to one of the most powerful and globally dominant programming languages by 2026, highlighting key milestones, versions, and the reasons behind its widespread adoption.

What you’ll learn:


Lesson 3: Understanding Python Programming Terms: High-Level, Interpreted, Garbage-Collected Explained

This lesson explains essential Python programming terms such as high-level, interpreted, and garbage-collected, helping beginners clearly understand what these concepts mean and how they affect the way Python programs are written and executed.

What you’ll learn:


Lesson 4: How to Install Python and Set Up PyCharm (Beginner’s Guide)

This lesson provides a step-by-step beginner-friendly guide to installing Python and setting up PyCharm, ensuring you have a complete and ready-to-use development environment to start writing and running Python programs confidently.

What you’ll learn:


Lesson 5: Python IDLE Explained: Comparison with PyCharm, CMD, and Notepad

This lesson explains Python IDLE in detail and compares it with PyCharm, Command Prompt (CMD), and Notepad, helping beginners understand when to use each tool and choose the right environment for learning and writing Python code.

What you’ll learn:


Lesson 6: Python Introduction FAQs: Common Beginner Questions Answered

This lesson is the final FAQ wrap-up for Chapter 1, answering common questions about what Python is, how it works, and how to get started.
It clears early confusion around Python’s philosophy, use cases, execution model, and beginner concepts.
Complete this lesson to strengthen your foundation before moving into Python variables and hands-on coding.


What’s Next After This Chapter

Great job on completing Chapter 1: Python Introduction & Getting Started
You’ve built a strong foundation by understanding what Python is, its history, and how to set up your development environment.

Now it’s time to move forward to Chapter 2: Python Variables, where you’ll start writing real Python code. In the next chapter, you’ll learn how Python stores data, how variables work, the rules for naming them, and how to use variables effectively in your programs. This chapter marks the beginning of hands-on Python programming—so let’s continue the journey!