Python is a high-level, interpreted, and general-purpose programming language that emphasizes code readability and simplicity. Here’s a concise history of Python:

1. Creator of Python

  • Guido van Rossum, a Dutch programmer, created Python.
  • He began working on Python in late 1980s.
  • The project started as a hobby project during his Christmas holidays in December 1989, in the Netherlands.

2. Timeline of Python Versions

YearEvent
1989Guido van Rossum started Python at Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI), Netherlands.
1991First official version Python 0.9.0 released. Included functions, modules, exceptions, etc.
1994Python 1.0 released.
2000Python 2.0 released with features like list comprehensions and garbage collection.
2008Python 3.0 (also called “Python 3000”) released. It was not backward compatible with Python 2.
2020Official end-of-life for Python 2.7 (Python 2 series support ended).
2023+Python 3 continues evolving with versions like 3.10, 3.11, and 3.12 bringing performance and syntax improvements.

3. Why Python Was Created

  • Van Rossum wanted a language that was easy to read and use, yet powerful.
  • It was influenced by ABC language (also developed at CWI), but improved upon its limitations.
  • Python was designed to be a bridge between scripting and programming, suitable for both beginners and professionals.

4. Key Principles of Python

Python follows the philosophy of:

  • Readability counts
  • Simple is better than complex
  • There should be one—and preferably only one—obvious way to do it

These principles are summarized in “The Zen of Python”, which you can see by typing:

  • import this

5. Use and Popularity

  • Today, Python is widely used in web development, data science, AI/ML, automation, game development, and education.
  • It’s one of the most popular programming languages in the world (often ranked #1 on TIOBE and Stack Overflow surveys).To run a Python program, you need to:

✅ 1. Install Python

  • Download Python from the official website: https://python.org
  • During installation, check the box: ✅ Add Python to PATH
  • Install an editor or IDE (optional):
    • VS Code (lightweight)
    • PyCharm (full-featured)
    • Jupyter Notebook (for data science)
    • Or use built-in IDLE

🧪 2. Write Your Python Code

Example code (save this as hello.py):

  • print(“Hello, World!”)

▶️ 3. Run Python Program (4 Easy Ways)

🔹 A. Using Command Prompt (Windows) / Terminal (Mac/Linux)

  1. Open Command Prompt or Terminal.
  • Navigate to your file location using cd command.

    cd path_to_your_file
  • Run the script:

    python hello.py

🔹 B. Using IDLE (Python’s built-in editor)

  1. Open IDLE.
  2. Go to File → Open → choose hello.py.
  3. Click Run → Run Module (or press F5).

🔹 C. Using VS Code

  1. Install Python extension from Extensions tab.
  2. Open your .py file.
  3. Click the ▶️ Run button at the top.
  4. Output will appear in the terminal.

🔹 D. Online Python Compiler

If you don’t want to install anything:

⚠️ Common Errors

  • python is not recognized: Python not added to PATH.
  • SyntaxError: Typing or indentation mistake.
  • ModuleNotFoundError: Trying to use a module that’s not installed.

Would you like a step-by-step Word guide with screenshots for running Python programs?


  • Sure! Below is a step-by-step guide on How to Run a Python Program with screenshots.

📘 Python Program Execution Guide with Screenshots (Windows)

I’ll provide this in Word format for easy reference, including:

🔧 Contents

  1. Installing Python
  2. Writing Your First Program
  3. Running with Command Prompt
  4. Running with IDLE
  5. Running with VS Code
  6. Running with Online Editor

✅ 1. Install Python (Screenshot Included)

📝 2. Write a Simple Python Program

Open any text editor (Notepad, VS Code, etc.), and type:

  • print(“Hello, World!”)

Save as: hello.py

💻 3. Run via Command Prompt

  1. Open Command Prompt
  • Navigate to the folder where hello.py is saved using cd command:

    cd Desktop
  • Run the file:

    python hello.py

🐍 4. Run via IDLE (Python GUI)

  1. Open IDLE
  2. Go to File → Open → hello.py
  3. Press F5 or go to Run → Run Module

📸 Screenshot:

🧠 5. Run via Visual Studio Code

  1. Install VS Code
  2. Open the .py file
  3. Click Run ▶️ or use Terminal → Run Python File

📸 Screenshot:

🌐 6. Run Online Without Installation

Use: