Python for beginners: history and first steps

Python is not just a programming language—it’s a gateway into the world of coding. Known for its simplicity and power, Python has become the go-to language for beginners and professionals alike. Whether you’re dreaming of building your first website, analyzing data, or diving into artificial intelligence, Python can take you there.

In this guide, we’ll take a friendly look at how Python came to be, why it’s so popular, and how you—yes, you—can get started with it today, even if you’ve never written a single line of code before.

A brief history of Python

Back in the late 1980s, Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum was looking for a holiday project. Working at the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam, he wanted to create a language that was fun to use but serious in capability. So, around Christmas of 1989, Python was born.

And no, the name wasn’t inspired by the reptile—it came from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, a British comedy show that van Rossum loved. That sense of humor and approachability remains part of Python’s charm to this day.

Major milestones:

1991: Python 0.9.0 is released publicly
2000: Python 2.0 arrives with new features like garbage collection and Unicode
2008: Python 3.0 debuts, cleaner but incompatible with Python 2
2020: Python 2 reaches end-of-life; Python 3 takes over entirely

Since then, Python has grown into one of the world’s most widely used programming languages, supported by a vibrant and ever-growing community.

Why Python is perfect for beginners

Learning to code can feel intimidating—but Python makes it easier than you might think. Here’s why it stands out:

Readable syntax: Python code looks like English. No weird punctuation, no endless brackets—just clean, logical statements.
Versatility: Want to build a website? Analyze stock prices? Train a robot? Python can do it.
Free and open-source: No hidden fees or licenses. Download it, tweak it, share it.
Huge community: Get help, find tutorials, and use thousands of free tools built by fellow coders.
Runs anywhere: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux—even on tiny Raspberry Pi computers.

Getting started with Python

You don’t need to be a tech whiz to start coding in Python. All you need is a computer, internet, and some curiosity.

Step 1: Install Python

Go to python.org and grab the latest version. During installation, check the box that says “Add Python to PATH.” That’s your golden ticket to running Python from any terminal window.

Step 2: Pick an editor or IDE

Think of an IDE as your coding workspace. Great beginner-friendly options include:

Thonny: Super simple and built for learning
VS Code: A flexible editor with tons of useful add-ons
PyCharm (Community Edition): Feature-rich and free

Step 3: Learn the basics

Here are a few concepts you’ll want to get familiar with:

Variables: Store things like text or numbers
Data types: Strings, integers, lists, booleans, etc.
Conditionals: Make decisions with if and else
Loops: Repeat actions with for and while
Functions: Reuse blocks of code
Errors: Learn from them—Python’s messages are friendly

Try this:

name = input("What's your name?")
print(f"Nice to meet you, {name}!")

A simple conversation between you and your computer. And just like that—you’re a programmer.

Step 4: Practice makes progress

Consistency beats intensity. A few minutes a day is more effective than a marathon once a week.

Helpful sites:

W3Schools: Great for fundamentals
Real Python: Deep dives and articles
SoloLearn: Learn on your phone
Replit: Code in your browser without installing anything

Step 5: Build your own mini-projects

Learning sticks better when you create things. Try one of these:

A number guessing game
A digital to-do list
A currency converter
A simple weather app using an API
A password generator

Tips to keep going

Start small. Build confidence one step at a time.
Celebrate bugs. Every error is a lesson in disguise.
Document your progress. Keep a log or blog of what you learn.
Connect with others. Join Python forums or Discord servers.

How Python is used in real life

Python’s versatility isn’t just a buzzword—it powers major apps and industries:

Websites: Instagram, YouTube, Reddit
Data science: used by NASA, Google, Netflix
AI and machine learning: self-driving cars, language models
Automation: scripting, bots, system tasks
Education: taught everywhere from middle school to MIT

What’s next for Python?

Python continues to evolve. New libraries, new tools, and even more community support arrive regularly. Whether you’re into finance, healthcare, gaming, or climate research, Python has a place.

Wrapping up

Python isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower. It opens doors in tech, sparks creativity, and helps you think logically. So don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed at first. We all start with print("Hello, world!").

And who knows? Today a hobby. Tomorrow—a career.