Python Programming: History and Setup Guide

Python has risen to become one of the world's most popular programming languages, known for its readability, versatility, and gentle learning curve. In this article, we'll explore Python's origins, its widespread applications, and provide a step-by-step guide to setting up Python with Visual Studio Code.

🧠 The Birth of Python

Guido van Rossum, a Dutch programmer, created Python in the late 1980s while working at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) research center in the Netherlands. The first official release came in 1991.

One key motivation for Python's development was Van Rossum's frustration with the limitations of the ABC programming language he had been working with previously. Python addressed many of ABC's shortcomings while preserving its readability and ease of use.

Guido van Rossum, creator of Python

The Name "Python"

Contrary to what some might assume, the language wasn't named after the snake. Python was named after the British comedy series "Monty Python's Flying Circus", which Van Rossum was a fan of. This playful naming choice reflects the language's philosophy of being fun to use.

🌐 Python Applications Today

Python has evolved from a simple scripting language to a versatile tool used across numerous industries and applications:

Python's widespread adoption is largely due to its combination of readability, extensive libraries, and strong community support. It's often described as a language that "comes with batteries included," meaning it has a comprehensive standard library right out of the box.

⚙️ Setting Up Python

Now let's walk through the process of setting up Python and configuring VS Code as your development environment:

Installing Python

1. Download Python from the official website (python.org).
2. Run the Python installer and make sure to check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" - this is critical for being able to run Python from the command line.
3. Also select the option to "Add pip to the environment variables" - pip is Python's package manager and you'll need it to install libraries.
4. Before closing the setup, disable length limit by clicking the option that appears after installation completes.
5. Verify your installation by opening Command Prompt (press Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
6. In the command prompt, type python --version and press Enter. You should see the Python version number displayed, confirming a successful installation.

C:\Users\username> python --version
Python 3.11.4

C:\Users\username> pip --version
pip 23.1.2

Setting Up VS Code

Visual Studio Code is a powerful, lightweight code editor that works exceptionally well with Python. Here's how to set it up:

1. Download Visual Studio Code v1.98 instead of the latest version

   Note

   We're recommending v1.98 specifically because, as mentioned in the instructions, the latest version currently has a known bug that affects Python development.

2. Before running the installer, temporarily disconnect from the internet to prevent automatic updates during installation.
3. Install VS Code with the default settings.
4. After installation, launch VS Code (while still offline) and open the settings by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P.
5. Type "Open User Settings (JSON)" and select it from the dropdown. A settings file will open with empty curly braces {}.
6. Add the following line to disable automatic updates:
   settings.json

   {
       "update.mode": "none"
   }

7. Save the settings file with Ctrl + S.
8. Now reconnect to the internet and install these essential extensions for Python development:
   • Python - Microsoft's official Python extension
   • Python Indent - Helps with proper Python indentation
   • Python Extension Pack - A bundle of useful Python tools
   • Remote SSH - For connecting to remote systems
   • Amazon Q - AI assistant for coding help
9. Optional: Install the GitHub theme to improve the visual aesthetics of VS Code.

   VS Code Themes

   Themes can significantly improve your coding experience by reducing eye strain during long sessions. The GitHub theme offers both light and dark variants.

Creating Your First Python Project

Now that you have both Python and VS Code set up, let's create a simple project to verify everything is working correctly:

1. Open VS Code and select "File > New File" (or press Ctrl + N).
2. Save the file with a .py extension (e.g., hello.py).
3. VS Code should automatically detect that you're working with Python. If prompted, select the Python interpreter you installed earlier.
4. Write a simple Python program:
   hello.py

   print("Hello, Python World!")
   
   # A simple calculation
   result = 42 * 3.14
   print(f"The answer is {result}")
   
   # User input
   name = input("What's your name? ")
   print(f"Nice to meet you, {name}!")

5. Run the program by clicking the play button in the top-right corner or by pressing F5.
6. You should see the output in the terminal at the bottom of VS Code, and be prompted to enter your name.

🚀 Next Steps in Your Python Journey

Now that you have Python and VS Code set up, here are some recommended next steps:

• Learn the basics: Variables, data types, control flow (if/else statements, loops), and functions
• Practice with small projects: Simple calculators, text-based games, or data processing scripts
• Explore the standard library: Python comes with an extensive library of modules for common tasks
• Install packages with pip: Try pip install requests to add the popular HTTP library
• Join the community: Python has a friendly, active community on platforms like Stack Overflow, Reddit, and Discord

Python's gentle learning curve and vast capabilities make it an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're interested in web development, data science, automation, or any other field, Python provides the tools and resources you need to bring your ideas to life.

Happy coding, and welcome to the Python community!