Getting Started with Python IDLE: Installation, Configuration, and Writing Your First Program

Python programming requires a suitable editor; the official editor for Python 3.8.2 (64‑bit) is IDLE (Integrated Development and Learning Environment).

Launch IDLE by double‑clicking its desktop icon or selecting it from the Start menu; the first launch shows the Shell window, while the editor window can be opened separately.

For a smoother experience, open Options → Configure IDLE and adjust three settings: increase the font size in the Fonts/Tabs tab, change the default opening window to “Open Edit Window” in the General tab, and enable “Show line numbers in new windows”.

Create a new source file via File → New File (or Ctrl+N).

Enter the following code as your first program:

print("Hello World ")

The print statement outputs the text inside the quotes to the user.

Save the file with a .py extension (e.g., hello.py ) using File → Save (or Ctrl+S). Then run it with Run → Run Module (or F5). If the file is not saved, IDLE will prompt you to save before execution.

When running, Python first opens the Shell window, checks for syntax errors, and then executes the code; the editor and debugger appear as separate windows, with the editor on the right and the Shell on the left.

The article concludes with a brief recap of using IDLE and writing the first Python program, followed by two quiz questions to test understanding.