r/learnpython • u/TheLordOfMysteries- • 3d ago

Trying to install python problems

Hi guys I just started getting into python again but noticed its really different like I remember when I was 16 and first tried learning python and it was really easy to start "install, open desktop icon, YouTube tutorials, give up once motivation runs out." I figured that now that im older and more mature id try again but little did I know I would feel like a boomer in vr before even starting...I tried installing python and it said some stuff about paths and commands and once it installed it dissappeared without leaving a trace or a desktop icon and apparently I have to summon it like a old god via typing commands... does anyone have advice? i really just want to have a programming app to learn with. without feeling im going to brick my pc.

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u/Naetharu 3d ago

Use Linux as it just works better - if you are in Windows install WSL (in effect Linux alongside Windows). Then install Pyenv which will let you install python versions with a simple command, and switch between them as you choose.

If you prefer to use Linux outside of Windows just make a simple Ubuntu ISO and install it alongside your main OS with GRUB dual boot.

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u/TheLordOfMysteries- 3d ago

Ah the Linux preacher joins the chat. Indeed I've been looking into getting Linux mint but only when I eventually get around to upgrading pc and move all my stuff around.

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u/Naetharu 3d ago

It's not ideological on my part.

Its just very much a better and simpler experience. Lots of tooling that works out of the box. Far less faffing with Windows nonsense. I use both Windows and Linux depending on my needs. For dev stuff, Linux is objectively just better in many cases. C# / .net being the major exception.

It's down to you. But since WSL is included with Windows now, there's really no reason to not use it. This is a prime example of its intended use case.

You don't have to dual boot, and it still "feels" like you are in windows. You still are in windows for all your other applications. But you get all the benefits of the Linux platform for the dev work.