Python for Kids: Set Up Your Computer and Start Coding!

Get ready to code! Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to install Python with Anaconda, set up VS Code on Windows or Mac, and run your first Python program.

Step 1: Install Python with Anaconda

Anaconda includes Python and extra tools for learning, so you do not need to install Python separately.

👉 Click here to download Anaconda

On the download page, choose Anaconda Distribution.

Windows

1. Download the Windows 64-bit Graphical Installer.
2. Open the downloaded file.
3. Follow the instructions and select Just Me if asked.
4. Keep the default settings. Leave Add Anaconda to PATH unchecked.
5. Click Install, then Finish.

📖 Click here for the Windows installation guide

Mac

1. Open Apple menu → About This Mac to check your chip.
2. For an Apple M-series chip, download the Apple silicon Graphical Installer.
3. Open the downloaded .pkg file.
4. Follow the instructions and click Install.

Using an older Intel Mac? Anaconda no longer provides new Intel installers. For this beginner activity, install Python using the macOS installer linked below, then continue to Step 2.

👉 Click here to download Python for Mac

📖 Click here for the Anaconda Mac installation guide

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code, or VS Code, is where you will write your programs.

👉 Click here to download VS Code

• Windows: Download the Windows installer, open it, and follow the setup instructions.
• Mac: Download the Mac version, open the downloaded file, and drag Visual Studio Code into Applications.

Open VS Code when installation finishes.

Step 3: Add Python Support

1. Click the Extensions icon on the left side of VS Code—it looks like little squares.
2. Search for Python.
3. Select the extension published by Microsoft.
4. Click Install.

This helps VS Code understand your Python code.

📖 Click here for the Python setup guide for VS Code

Step 4: Create Your First Python File

1. Create a folder on your computer called PythonProjects.
2. In VS Code, choose File → Open Folder.
3. Select your PythonProjects folder.
4. Click New File and name it hello.py.

The .py ending tells your computer that this is a Python program.

Step 5: Connect VS Code to Python

1. Open the Command Palette:
   • Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + P.
   • Mac: Press Command + Shift + P.
2. Type Python: Select Interpreter and select it.
3. Choose the Python entry showing Anaconda, conda, or base.
   • If you installed Python directly, choose that Python 3 entry instead.

The interpreter is the tool that runs your code.

If Python does not appear, close and reopen VS Code, then try again.

📖 Click here for help selecting your Python interpreter

Step 6: Run Your First Program!

Type this into hello.py:

print("Hello, world!")
print("I am learning Python!")
print(5 + 3)

Save your file:

• Windows: Press Ctrl + S.
• Mac: Press Command + S.

Click the ▶ Run Python File button near the top-right corner.

You should see this in the terminal at the bottom:

Hello, world!
I am learning Python!
8

🎉 You just ran your first Python program!

Try It Yourself

• Change the first message to include your name.
• Change the numbers and run your program again.
• Add another print() line with your own message.

For example:

print("My name is Alex!")
print("I want to build a game!")
print(10 + 20)