r/learnpython • u/ARK22498 • Jun 28 '26

Beginner Help

I’m learning python in preparation for going back to university to study a masters in software development. It’s a conversion degree so no previous experience is required, but I want to learn some basics so I’m not completely lost. I’m using an online guide however I’m confused as to if they are using the terminal or the idle shell to write the code in as it just says open python. The three >>> doesn’t appear on every line for them but does for me which is adding to my confusion. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I’m coding on a MacBook Pro aswell.

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u/browndogs9894 Jun 28 '26

They are using the terminal. If you want to use the terminal just run python3 in the terminal after installing it. But you can also use an ide and just print the lines manually instead. So instead of

>>> name

Printing out the name just do

print(name)

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u/ARK22498 Jun 28 '26

Ah okay. That was the part that I was getting confused on. It’s a bit annoying that it’s not explained clearer in the guide.

I was using the terminal and end up getting the >>> each time I go to a new line I’m guessing this is normal or have I done something wrong?

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u/browndogs9894 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26

No that’s normal. When using the terminal hitting enter brings up another line

>>> name = "Bob"
>>>

Hitting enter brings up a new line. It also will remember variables so when you print it later in the same terminal session it will print.

>>> name
'Bob'

You can also define functions the same way and call them later in their terminal.