First Steps in Python: Writing Your "Hello,

World!" Program
A Beginner’s Guide to Python Programming and the Classic
"Hello, World!" Example

Introduction
Python is a versatile, beginner-friendly programming language that has gained
immense popularity across the globe. Its syntax is straightforward, readable, and
elegant, making it an ideal choice for novices stepping into the world of programming.
One of the most common traditions for beginners learning any new programming
language is to start by writing a simple program that displays the phrase “Hello,
World!” on the screen. This humble exercise introduces foundational concepts and
builds confidence for further learning. In this document, we will guide you through
your first steps in Python, focusing on creating and understanding the classic "Hello,
World!" program.

Setting Up Python
Before you write your first line of Python code, you need to ensure that Python is
installed on your computer. Python is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

• Download Python: Visit the official Python website at python.org and download
the latest version of Python (preferably Python 3.x).
• Install Python: Run the installer and follow the instructions. On Windows, make
sure to check the box that says "Add Python to PATH" before clicking "Install
Now."
• Verify Installation: Open your command prompt (Windows) or terminal
(macOS/Linux) and enter python --version or python3 --version. You should see
the version number displayed, confirming that Python is installed.

Choosing an Editor
You can write Python code in any text editor, but using one designed for programming
can make life easier.
 • IDLE: Comes packaged with Python and is simple for beginners.
• VS Code: A powerful, free editor with extensive features.
• PyCharm: Popular among professional developers, offering many tools for
coding in Python.
• Sublime Text, Atom, or even Notepad: Great for simple scripts.

Open your chosen editor and create a new file named hello.py.

Writing Your First Python Program: "Hello, World!"

Now, let’s write the most basic Python program.

• Type the following line in your hello.py file:

print("Hello, World!")

That’s it! This single line is your entire program.

Understanding the Code

Let’s break down what’s happening in this tiny program.

• print(): This is a built-in Python function that outputs whatever is inside the
parentheses to the screen.
• "Hello, World!": This is a string—a sequence of characters enclosed in
quotation marks.
• When you run the program, Python executes the print() statement and displays
Hello, World! in your terminal or console.

Running Your Python Program

To see your program in action, you need to run it.

• Using the Terminal/Command Prompt:

• Navigate to the folder where you saved hello.py using cd command.
• Type python hello.py or python3 hello.py and hit Enter.
• You should see the words Hello, World! printed on the next line.

Using an IDE:

• Most editors have a "Run" button or allow you to press F5 or another shortcut
to execute your code.
Exploring Variations and Experimenting
Programming is about curiosity and experimentation. Try changing the message in the
quotation marks:

print("Welcome to Python!")

print("Learning is fun.")

You can also print multiple lines by adding more print() statements:

print("Hello, World!")

print("This is my first Python program.")

print("Let's learn together!")

Common Mistakes for Beginners

As you’re practicing, be aware of some frequent errors:

• Missing Quotes: Strings must be enclosed in either single (') or double (")
quotes. Without them, Python will show a syntax error.
• Mismatched Parentheses: Ensure that every opening parenthesis has a closing
one.
• Typographical Errors: Python is case-sensitive, so Print is not the same as print.
• Incorrect File Name: Saving your file as hello.py (with a .py extension) is
important. Avoid spaces or special characters in file names.

Learning More About Python Basics

Once you are comfortable with your first program, you can explore further:

• Variables and Data Types: Learn how to store and manipulate information.
• Operators and Expressions: Explore simple calculations and logic.
• Control Flow: Discover how to make decisions in your code with if statements.
• Loops: Automate repetitive tasks.
• Functions: Encapsulate reusable blocks of code.

Example: Using Variables

message = "Hello, World!"
print(message)

Here, we store the string in a variable called message and then ask Python to print the
value of message.

Example: User Input

You can also ask the user to input their name:

name = input("What is your name? ")

print("Hello, " + name + "!")

Now, when you run your program, it will prompt you for your name and greet you
personally.

Why "Hello, World!"?

The tradition of writing a program that prints “Hello, World!” dates back to the early
days of computer science. It is a simple, universal way to verify that your programming
environment is working and that you can communicate with your computer in a new
programming language.

Troubleshooting and Getting Help

As you learn, you might encounter questions or errors. Here are some strategies:

• Read Error Messages: Python provides helpful feedback. Read the message
carefully to find clues.
• Online Resources: Websites like Stack Overflow, the Python documentation,
and tutorials can help you find answers.
• Community Forums: The Python community is friendly and supportive. Don’t
hesitate to ask for help.

Next Steps
Congratulations! Writing your first Python program is an exciting milestone. To
continue your journey:

• Experiment with more print() statements and learn about different data types.
• Explore variables, loops, conditionals, and functions.
 • Try solving small problems, like calculating the sum of two numbers or printing
patterns.
• Consider taking free online Python courses or reading beginner-friendly books.

Conclusion
Learning to program with Python opens the door to a world of creative possibilities. By
writing your first "Hello, World!" program, you have taken the essential first step. Keep
practicing, stay curious, and remember: every expert was once a beginner, and each
line of code brings you closer to mastering this powerful language.