How to Write a Basic “Hello, World!” Program in Python?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language that is widely used for various applications. If you are new to programming and want to get started with Python, one of the first programs you’ll likely encounter is the famous “Hello, World!” program. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to write a basic “Hello, World!” program in Python.

Step 1: Install Python

Before you can write and run Python programs, you need to have Python installed on your computer. Python is available for different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. Visit the official Python website (python.org) and download the latest version of Python that is compatible with your operating system. Follow the installation instructions provided and ensure Python is successfully installed.

Step 2: Open a Text Editor

To write your Python code, you’ll need a text editor. You can use any text editor of your choice, such as Notepad, Sublime Text, or Visual Studio Code. Open your preferred text editor and create a new file.

Step 3: Write the Code

In your text editor, start by typing the following code:

print("Hello, World!")

This line of code tells Python to print the text “Hello, World!” to the console. It is a simple yet essential program that serves as a starting point for many beginners.

Step 4: Save the File

Save the file with a .py extension, such as hello_world.py. The .py extension indicates that this file contains Python code.

Step 5: Run the Program

Open your command prompt or terminal, navigate to the directory where you saved the hello_world.py file, and type the following command:

python hello_world.py

Press Enter, and you should see the output “Hello, World!” displayed on the console. Congratulations! You have successfully written and executed your first Python program.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help you as you start your Python programming journey:

Always remember to save your Python files with the .py extension.
Python is case-sensitive, so be mindful of capitalization when writing your code.
Use indentation to structure your code. Python relies on proper indentation to identify code blocks.
Experiment and have fun! The “Hello, World!” program is just the beginning. Python offers a wide range of possibilities, so don’t be afraid to explore and try new things.

Conclusion

Writing a basic “Hello, World!” program in Python is a simple yet essential step for beginners. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly get started with Python and gain a solid foundation for further learning. Remember to install Python, open a text editor, write your code, save the file, and run the program. With practice and perseverance, you’ll soon be on your way to mastering Python programming.