Starting With Python

This class supports two ways of using Python...

Method #1: use an online Python interpreter: https://www.online-python.com

Pros:

1. no download or installation needed

2. you can use any computer or handheld device with internet access

   
   

Cons:

1. no interactive keyboard input

2. does not easily support generating animations

Steps:

a) The online-python web site will show the following interface:

b) Download the following file and cut and paste it into the top pane:

0 - orig_point_web.txt

Download TXT • 4KB

c) Press the "Run" button and wait until program runs to completion... the button will turn red and then back to green and it will print out a bunch of numbers.

d) find the .ppm file in your downloads folder and double-click to open it:

Method #2: download Python 3 onto your local machine (Mac or PC)

Pros:

1. supports interactive keyboard input

2. supports generating animations

Cons:

1. requires download and installation onto local machine

2. need to futz with Mac or PC specific installation

Steps:

a) Go to www.python.org web site and download Python (2|3) installer:

b) Double-click on Python installer in Downloads folder:

c) Click through installer prompts:

d) Launch Terminal app:

e) Type pip3 install pygame in Terminal:

f) Download starting Python project:

0 - orig_point.txt

Download TXT • 3KB

0 - orig_turtle.txt

Download TXT • 6KB

g) Rename "0 - orig_turtle.txt" to "0 - orig_turtle.py":

h) Launch "0 - orig_turtle.py":