We will use Python 3.1.2, NOT Python 2.7. If you write a program using Python 2.7 (or any version earlier than Python 3.0), it will not work when we try to grade it. So please be careful to install 3.1 and NOT 2.7.
Here is a short handout on translating Python 2 to Python 3.
When the installer runs, just keep clicking "Next" to accept the standard installtion options, and finally "Finish".
When you are done, if you left-click on the Start menu at the bottom-left of your screen, and then "All Programs", you should see "Python 3.1" in the list of programs you can run. Click on it, and then select "IDLE- Python Interpreter" to get started! (Note: not "Command line").
From the official Python download page, install the .dmg for Python 3.1.2. After installing, you should find Python 3.1.2 in the Applications folder, and you can put the IDLE icon your dock.
Here is the main Web page about Python.
Running both IDLE and the graphics module at the same time might lead to
trouble.
On Windows, a good strategy is to use IDLE to edit the program, as usual,
but run it by double-clicking on the program.
On the Mac, control-clicking on the program, and then say "Run with...",
lets you run it with PyLauncher (the little rocket).
This brings up two other windows besides the graphics window (which is kind
of ugly), but it works.
The graphics window might end up behind these other windows, so you might
have to look for it.
If you can't get this to work, email us or (better) come see us in Lab Hours.