Setting up Python Development Environment on Mac

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Setting up the Terminal 2.1. Mac Terminal vs Iterm2 2.2. Installing Iterm2 2.3. Installing Command Line Developer Tools
3. Using Homebrew as a Package Manager 3.1. Introduction to Homebrew 3.2. Installing Homebrew on Mac
4. Installing Python 4.1. Installing Python via Homebrew 4.2. Verifying the Python Installation
5. Setting up VS Code 5.1. Downloading and Installing VS Code 5.2. Essential VS Code Extensions for Python Development
6. Configuring GitHub Version Control 6.1. Installing Git via Homebrew 6.2. Creating a GitHub Account 6.3. Authenticating GitHub CLI with the Web Browser
7. Conclusion
8. Resources

Setting up the Development Environment for Python Programming 💻

In this Tutorial, we will walk through the process of setting up a complete development environment for Python programming on a Mac. From installing the necessary tools to configuring version control with GitHub, we will cover everything you need to get started. So, let's dive in!

1. Introduction

Before we begin, it's important to have a clear understanding of what we will be covering in this tutorial. We will start by setting up the terminal and choosing the right one for our needs. Then, we will install Homebrew, a powerful package manager for Mac, and use it to install Python, the programming language we will be working with. Next, we will set up VS Code, a popular code editor, and install essential extensions for Python development. Finally, we will configure GitHub version control to easily collaborate and share our code with others.

2. Setting up the Terminal

2.1. Mac Terminal vs Iterm2

The default terminal on Mac is the Mac Terminal, which can be used for our purposes. However, for convenience and additional features, we recommend using Iterm2. It's a free and highly popular terminal program that offers a better user experience.

2.2. Installing Iterm2

To install Iterm2, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Iterm2 website and download the latest version that is compatible with your Mac operating system.
2. Open the downloaded file and drag the Iterm2 application to the Applications folder.
3. Launch Iterm2 from the Applications folder or Spotlight.

2.3. Installing Command Line Developer Tools

Before we proceed further, we need to install the Command Line Developer Tools. These tools are essential for various development tasks. To install them, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Terminal or Iterm2 application.
2. If prompted, install the Command Line Developer Tools by clicking "Install" when the prompt appears.
3. Wait for the installation to complete.

3. Using Homebrew as a Package Manager

3.1. Introduction to Homebrew

Homebrew is a powerful package manager for Mac that simplifies the process of installing and managing software packages. It takes care of resolving dependencies, updating programs, and maintaining a clean and organized system.

3.2. Installing Homebrew on Mac

To install Homebrew, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Terminal or Iterm2 application.
2. Copy the following command:

   /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

3. Paste the command into the Terminal or Iterm2 window and press Enter.
4. Follow the instructions provided during the installation process.
5. Once the installation is complete, you can use Homebrew to install various software packages easily.

4. Installing Python

4.1. Installing Python via Homebrew

Now that we have Homebrew installed, we can use it to install Python. Follow these steps to install Python via Homebrew:

1. Open the Terminal or Iterm2 application.
2. Type the following command:

   brew install python

3. Press Enter and wait for the installation to complete.
4. Verify the Python installation by typing python3 --version in the Terminal or Iterm2 window. You should see the installed Python version.

4.2. Verifying the Python Installation

To make sure Python is installed correctly, follow these steps:

1. Open the Terminal or Iterm2 application.
2. Type the following command:

   python3 --version

3. Press Enter. The installed Python version should be displayed.

5. Setting up VS Code

VS Code is a versatile and feature-rich code editor that is widely used by developers. To set up VS Code for Python development, follow these steps:

5.1. Downloading and Installing VS Code

1. Visit the VS Code website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
2. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions provided.
3. Launch VS Code after the installation is complete.

5.2. Essential VS Code Extensions for Python Development

To enhance the functionality of VS Code for Python development, install the following extensions:

• Python: Provides language support and additional functionalities for Python development.
• Jupyter Notebooks: Allows you to work with Jupyter Notebooks directly within VS Code.

6. Configuring GitHub Version Control

GitHub is a widely used version control system that allows developers to collaborate and manage their code repositories. To configure GitHub version control on your Mac, follow these steps:

6.1. Installing Git via Homebrew

1. Open the Terminal or Iterm2 application.
2. Type the following command:

   brew install git

3. Press Enter and wait for the installation to complete.

6.2. Creating a GitHub Account

1. Visit the GitHub website and sign up for an account if you don't already have one.
2. Verify your account and complete the registration process.

6.3. Authenticating GitHub CLI with the Web Browser

1. Open the Terminal or Iterm2 application.
2. Type the following command:

   gh auth login

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to authenticate with GitHub via your web browser.
4. After successful authentication, you can use GitHub CLI to interact with your repositories from the command line.

7. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully set up your development environment for Python programming on a Mac. You now have all the necessary tools and configurations to start coding and collaborating with others using GitHub. Enjoy your Python coding journey!

8. Resources

• Iterm2
• Homebrew
• VS Code
• GitHub