Python Tutorial — Learn Python Step by Step

Install Python on macOS

macOS comes with a system Python, but it may be outdated (Python 2 on older versions or a limited Python 3). Here's how to install the latest Python 3 properly.

Method 1: Official Installer (Simplest)

1. Visit python.org/downloads/macos
2. Download the "macOS 64-bit universal2 installer" (.pkg file)
3. Double-click the .pkg and follow the installation wizard
4. Click through until "Installation Complete"

Method 2: Homebrew (Recommended for Developers)

# Install Homebrew first (if not already installed)
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

# Install Python via Homebrew
brew install python

# This installs the latest Python 3 and pip3
python3 --version
# Output: Python 3.12.1

pip3 --version
# Output: pip 23.3.1

Homebrew keeps Python updated with brew upgrade python and manages dependencies cleanly.

Verify Installation

# Check Python version
python3 --version
# Python 3.12.1

# Check pip
pip3 --version

# Start interactive Python
python3
>>> print("Hello from macOS!")
Hello from macOS!
>>> exit()

# Run a script
echo 'print("It works!")' > test.py
python3 test.py
# It works!

Important: python vs python3 on macOS

Recommended: Set Up VS Code

• Download VS Code for macOS
• Install the Python extension by Microsoft
• Open a .py file and use the integrated terminal (Ctrl+`) to run scripts
• VS Code auto-detects your Python interpreter and provides IntelliSense

Troubleshooting