The Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Python Development Environment

Before you write your first line of Python, you need two things: the Python interpreter and a comfortable editor. Getting this right from the start saves hours of frustration later. This guide walks you through every step — installing Python on both Linux and Windows, then setting up two editor options (VS Code and Sublime Text) so you can pick whichever fits your style.

The Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Python Development Environment

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Installing Python

On Linux

Most Linux distributions ship with Python pre-installed. Open a terminal and check:

python --version
# or, if that points to Python 2:
python3 --version

If the output shows Python 2.x, or Python 3 isn't installed, install it:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install python3.8

Verify the installation:

python3 --version
# Expected: Python 3.8.x

On Windows

Windows does not bundle Python. Download the official installer:

1. Go to python.org/downloads and click Download Python 3.x.x.
2. Run the .exe file.
3. Critical step: Check the box "Add Python to PATH" before clicking Install Now.

After installation, open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd) and verify:

python --version
# Expected: Python 3.x.x

pip --version
# Expected: pip xx.x from C:\Users\...\Python3x\...

Editor Option 1: Visual Studio Code (Recommended)

VS Code is a free, open-source editor from Microsoft with mature Python tooling — making it the go-to choice for both beginners and professionals.

Installing VS Code

On Linux:

# Option A — Snap Store (recommended)
sudo snap install --classic code

# Option B — .deb package
sudo dpkg -i code_*.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

On Windows: Download from code.visualstudio.com, run the installer, and accept the defaults.

Configuring VS Code for Python

Step 1: Install the Python Extension

Create a new file with a .py extension (e.g., hello_world.py). VS Code will prompt you to install the Python extension. If not:

1. Open Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X).
2. Search Python.
3. Install the one published by Microsoft.

This unlocks:

• IntelliSense — smart autocompletion
• Linting — real-time error checking
• Integrated debugging — breakpoints and variable inspection
• Environment switching — seamlessly switch between Python versions

Step 2: Select Your Interpreter

Look at the bottom-left corner of VS Code. Click the Python version shown to open a picker where you can choose from any Python installation or virtual environment on your machine.

Step 3: Write and Run "Hello, World!"

print("Hello, World!")

Click the ▶ Run button at the top-right. The integrated terminal prints Hello, World!. Alternatively, run from the terminal:

python3 hello_world.py   # Linux
python hello_world.py    # Windows

The AREPL Extension (Optional)

AREPL evaluates your Python code as you type, showing output in a live preview panel. Install it from Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X → search AREPL).

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
squared = [n ** 2 for n in numbers]
print(squared)
# AREPL shows: [1, 4, 9, 16, 25] — instantly, no save/run needed

Activate it by clicking the orange AREPL button in the top-right corner of any .py file.

Editor Option 2: Sublime Text

Sublime Text is a lighter-weight editor — fast, distraction-free, and ideal for beginners who prefer simplicity.

Installing Sublime Text

Download from sublimetext.com for your OS. Linux users can also install via Snap Store:

sudo snap install sublime-text --classic

Configuring a Python Build System

Sublime Text can run Python directly. Navigate to Tools → Build System → New Build System and paste:

{
    "cmd": ["python3", "-u", "$file"],
    "file_regex": "^[ ]*File \"(...*?)\", line ([0-9]*)",
    "selector": "source.python"
}

Save as Python3.sublime-build. Now select Tools → Build System → Python3 and press Ctrl+B to run any .py file.

Installing Package Control and Extensions

Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P), type Install Package Control, and install it. Then you can search for extensions:

To install: Command Palette → Package Control: Install Package → search and select.

Running Files with SublimeREPL

For scripts that use input(), the default build system won't work. Use SublimeREPL instead:

Tools → SublimeREPL → Python → Python - Run current file

This opens an interactive pane where you can type input and see output.

The Terminal: Your Universal Fallback

Regardless of editor, you can always run Python from the terminal:

cd ~/projects
python3 hello.py

This works everywhere and is essential for running scripts with command-line arguments, Django servers, or automated builds.

Quick Verification Script

Run this in your editor of choice to confirm everything works:

import sys

print(f"Python version: {sys.version}")
print(f"Installation path: {sys.executable}")
print("Your environment is ready — happy coding!")

Your Environment at a Glance

What's Next?

Your environment is ready. In the next tutorial, we'll write our first meaningful Python programs — exploring variables, data types, and basic operators. The setup work you've done here means you can follow along hands-on from the very first line.

Happy coding. 🐍