Python Setup Made Easy: Install Anaconda, VS Code & Run Your First Program

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Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Anaconda, VS Code, and Running Your First Python Program

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Anaconda, VS Code, and Running Your First Python Program

In the previous Post, we saw:

👇

Today's Post will focus on installing a basic Python syntax code along with Anaconda and Vs Code Installation

Step 1: Installing Anaconda

Downloading Anaconda

The first step is to visit the Anaconda download page.

You will see a "Download Anaconda" button at the top.

Screenshot Suggestion: Show the Anaconda download page with the highlighted download button.

Clicking this button will open a new webpage where you might see a registration link.

Skip the registration for now.

After skipping, you will see two installation options:

  • Anaconda (Full package, ~1GB)
  • Miniconda (Lightweight version)

Anaconda vs. Miniconda

Feature Anaconda Miniconda
Size ~1GB (Complete package) Smaller (Only essential tools)
Includes Jupyter Notebook, Spyder, etc. Only Python & Conda
Best for Beginners needing all tools Advanced users who need minimal setup

For this tutorial, we will install Miniconda since it is lightweight and sufficient for our needs.

Click Download Miniconda and run the installer.

Screenshot Suggestion: Show the Miniconda installation screen.

Follow the setup steps:

  • Click Next → Agree → Next → Install.
  • Do not add to PATH yet (we will do this later).
  • Wait for installation (1-2 minutes).
  • Once installed, click Finish.

A "Getting Started with Conda" documentation may open—close it for now.

Step 2: Verifying Python Installation

To check if Python is installed correctly:

  1. Open Anaconda Prompt (Search for it in the Start Menu).
  2. Type: 
    python --version
(or)
python -V

You should see the installed Python version (e.g., Python 3.4).

Screenshot Suggestion: Show the Anaconda Prompt with the version command output.

Step 3: Installing VS Code (Best Python IDE)

What is an IDE?

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provides tools for coding, debugging, and running programs efficiently.

Why VS Code?

  • ✓ Lightweight & Fast
  • ✓ Supports Multiple Languages
  • ✓ Great for Beginners & Professionals

Downloading & Installing VS Code

  1. Go to the VS Code download page.
  2. Select your OS (Windows, Mac, Linux).
  3. Run the installer:
    • Accept the agreement → Next → Install.
Screenshot Suggestion: Show VS Code installation steps.

Setting Up VS Code for Python

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Install the Python Extension:
    • Go to Extensions (Left Panel).
    • Search for "Python" and install the official extension.
Screenshot Suggestion: Show the Extensions panel with Python highlighted.

Step 4: Creating & Running Your First Python Program

Step 4.1: Create a New Python File

  1. Click File → New File.
  2. Save the file as first_program.py (.py is the Python extension).
  3. Write your first code: 
    print("Hello World")
Screenshot Suggestion: Show VS Code with the code typed.

Step 4.2: Run the Program

Click the "Run Python File" button (Top Right).

A terminal will open at the bottom showing the output:

Hello World
Screenshot Suggestion: Show the output in the terminal.

Alternative Method:

Open Anaconda Prompt, navigate to your file location, and run:

python first_program.py

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we:

  • ✓ Installed Anaconda/Miniconda
  • ✓ Verified Python installation
  • ✓ Installed VS Code (Best Python IDE)
  • ✓ Created & ran our first Python program

Course Lectures

01 Python Setup Guide: Install Anaconda & VS Code in Minutes 02 Creating and Managing Virtual Environments in Python 03 Control Structures 04 Functions in Python 05 Lists & Dictionaries 06 File Handling 07 Object-Oriented Programming 08 Error Handling 09 Working with Libraries

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