Getting Started with Python

What you will learn

By the end of this lesson, you'll understand:

• What is Python?
• Who created Python?
• What are the three major Python version lines?
• How do you install Python?
• How do you verify your installation?
• How do you run your first Python program?

1. What is Python?

Python is a high-level, easy-to-read programming language used for:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Web Development
• Automation & Scripting
• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Enterprise Software

Python is popular because its syntax is simple and resembles English, making it ideal for beginners.

2. History of Python

Timeline

Python's development happened in three important stages:

Year	Event
1980	Python was conceived (idea began)
1989	Implementation work started
February 1991	Official public release

The creator

Guido van Rossum is often called the Father of Python.

He developed Python at CWI (Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica) in the Netherlands.

Who maintains Python today?

Python is maintained by the Python Software Foundation (PSF).

The PSF is a non-profit organization responsible for:

• Maintaining Python
• Supporting the community
• Managing new releases
• Organizing Python improvements

Official site: www.python.org

3. Python version family

Python has three major version lines.

Version	Status	Notes
Python 1.x	Outdated	Examples: 1.0, 1.1
Python 2.x	Outdated	Not fully compatible with Python 3
Python 3.x	Current	Learn this for all new projects

Important note

Python versions are not fully backward compatible.

Always use Python 3 for learning, interviews, and AI/ML development.

4. How to install Python

Installation steps

1. Visit python.org
2. Click Downloads
3. Download the latest Python 3 version
4. Run the installer
5. Complete installation

Use the official website only.

5. Verify the installation

Open your Terminal (Mac/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows).

Type:

python --version

Example output:

Python 3.12.0

If you see a version number, Python is installed successfully.

6. Your first Python program

Create a file named first.py.

print("Welcome to Python Programming")

Run it from the terminal:

python first.py

Output:

Welcome to Python Programming

How it works

1. first.py contains your code.
2. The Python interpreter reads the file.
3. It executes the print() statement.
4. The result appears in the terminal.

7. Key points to remember

• Python conceived: 1980
• Implementation: 1989
• Released: February 1991
• Creator: Guido van Rossum
• Organization: Python Software Foundation (PSF)
• Learn: Python 3.x

8. Try it yourself

Write a Python program that prints:

• Your name
• Course name
• Your goal

print("Name = Mahesh")
print("Course = Python Programming")
print("Goal = Become an AI Engineer")

Expected output:

Name = Mahesh
Course = Python Programming
Goal = Become an AI Engineer

Interview questions

1. Who is known as the Father of Python?
2. In which year was Python officially released?
3. Which organization maintains Python today?
4. Why should beginners learn Python 3 instead of Python 2?
5. Which command verifies that Python is installed?

Summary

Topic	Remember
Creator	Guido van Rossum
Institute	CWI, Netherlands
Maintained by	Python Software Foundation
First release	February 1991
Current version	Python 3.x
Check installation	python --version
Run program	python filename.py

Next

Next lesson: Features of Python — why Python is one of the world's most popular programming languages.