Getting Started with Python: Setup, Git, VSCode & First Steps

A Step-by-Step Guide to Setup, Tools, GitHub, and Your First Project.

1. Install Python

   • Download and install the latest version from python.org.
   • During installation, make sure to check “Add Python to PATH”.
   • Verify installation:

      python --version

2. Install Git and Git Client Options

   • Option A: Git via Command Line
     • Install from git-scm.com.
     • Verify installation:

        git --version

     • Configure your Git identity:

        git config --global user.name "Your Name"
        git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

   • Option B: Git in VSCode
     • After installing Git, open your project in VSCode.
     • Use the Source Control panel to stage, commit, and push code.
   • Option C: Git with SourceTree (GUI)
     • Download from sourcetreeapp.com.
     • Connect your GitHub account and manage repositories with an intuitive UI.

3. Install VSCode and Essential Extensions

   • Download Visual Studio Code.
   • Install these recommended extensions:
     • Python (by Microsoft)
     • Pylance
     • GitHub Copilot (limited free usage, ChatGPT can be an alternative)
     • Markdown All in One (for Markdown previews and shortcuts)

4. Create & Clone a GitHub Repository

   • Go to GitHub and create a new repository.
   • Clone the repository using:
     • Command Line:

        git clone https://github.com/username/my-python-project.git
        cd my-python-project

     • VSCode: Use Clone Repository from the Command Palette.
     • SourceTree: Use the Clone/New button.
   • Create a new file hello.py:

      print("Hello, Python world!")

   • Create a .gitignore file (exclude folders like __pycache__/, .vscode/, .env).
   • Create a README.md file to describe your project using Markdown.

5. Make Your First Commit

   • Use Conventional Commits for clear commit messages.
     • Example:

        feat: add hello world script and README
       

   • Command Line:

      git add hello.py .gitignore README.md
      git commit -m "feat: add hello world script, gitignore, and README"
      git push origin main

   • VSCode:
     • Stage files in the Source Control panel.
     • Enter a message using Conventional Commits format.
     • Commit and push via the UI.
   • SourceTree:
     • Stage, commit, and push with GUI buttons.
   • Verify the commit on GitHub.

6. Learn Python Interactively

   • Complete the free, hands-on course at learnpython.org.
   • For Git basics, visit GitHub's Git Handbook.

7. Additional Tips

   • Use GitHub Copilot for AI-powered code suggestions and to ask questions (free quota is limited).
   • Keep a tidy README.md in each repo to document your project.
   • Use Markdown All in One in VSCode to preview documentation.
   • Stick to Conventional Commits for meaningful version history.
   • Push your code regularly and keep your repository up to date.

8. Practice: Build a Small Project

   • Once you’ve learned about:
     • variables, types, loops, conditions, functions, and basic data structures
   • Choose a small project idea to apply what you’ve learned.
     • Examples:
       • A number guessing game
       • A todo list in the console
       • A temperature unit converter
   • This reinforces learning and builds coding confidence.
   • Push your project to GitHub and share it as a milestone!