🚀 Your First Setup Win: Python and VS Code on Mac (Beginner Friendly)

"The first step into coding is setting up your tools — and it's a bigger victory than it seems."

Quick Introduction

As part of my journey into learning coding and improving my technical writing skills, I needed to set up Python and VS Code on my Mac. I wanted a local environment where I could experiment freely, break things safely, and actually see my code come to life.

Installation Steps 🛠️

Installing Python 🐍

First, I checked if Python was already installed by opening Terminal and typing python3 --version. MacOS ships with a system version of Python, but it's often outdated. I decided to install the latest version myself to avoid future compatibility issues.

I headed to the official Python website: python.org. Right on the homepage, there's a big, friendly yellow "Download Python" button — practically waving at you. I clicked it and downloaded the latest stable macOS installer.

When I opened the installer, a familiar blue-and-white installation wizard appeared. I clicked "Continue" through most of it, but I paid close attention to any checkbox mentioning "Add Python to PATH" (if it showed up) — this step makes using Python from Terminal much easier.

Once finished, I reopened Terminal and confirmed everything worked by typing python3 --version again. ✅ Success!

Installing VS Code 💻

Next, I needed a code editor. I chose Visual Studio Code (VS Code) because it’s lightweight, powerful, and super beginner-friendly.

I visited code.visualstudio.com and clicked the big, inviting "Download for Mac" button. After downloading, I opened the .zip file, dragged the VS Code app into my Applications folder, and launched it.

The first launch greeted me with a colorful "Get Started" page full of friendly tips. I immediately went to the Extensions tab (the little square icon on the sidebar), searched for "Python," and installed Microsoft's official Python extension. This gave me:

  • 🖍️ Syntax highlighting
  • ⚡ Code completion
  • ▶️ Easy script running inside Terminal

One handy tweak: after opening a .py file, I clicked the "Run Python File" button (a tiny triangular play icon) at the top-right corner — it automatically opened the Terminal inside VS Code and ran my code. Pure magic!

Tiny Hiccups ⚡

Here are a couple of bumps I hit along the way:

  • Wrong Python Version:

    • Problem: I was still using the old system Python.
    • Fix: Clicked on the bottom bar in VS Code to manually select the correct interpreter.

  • Missing Tools Warning:

    • Problem: VS Code asked to install tools like pylint.
    • Fix: Agreed to install them — and coding felt much smoother after.

Realness = Relatability. It's normal to hit small bumps when you’re starting out!

Encouragement and Wrap-up 🎉

Setting up your environment can feel intimidating, but it's truly your first real win. Every project — big or small — begins with getting your tools ready. Celebrate this accomplishment — you've already overcome one of the biggest hurdles.

Be proud, stay curious, and keep building. Your first script, your first project, and your first "aha!" moment are just around the corner. You've got this! 🚀

Quick Next Steps 🧭

Now that your environment is ready, here's a tiny challenge to keep your momentum going:

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Create a new file named hello_world.py.
  3. Type this: 
print("Hello, world!")
  1. Save the file and hit the ▶️ "Run Python File" button.

If you see "Hello, world!" printed in the Terminal, congratulations — you've just run your very first Python program! 🎯

Every line of code you write from here builds your skills. Keep exploring!

✨ "You are closer than you think. Every keystroke moves you forward."

👋 About the Author

A linguist and writing tutor learning Python to build a more flexible life.