Installation and setup
Setting up for this course means two things: a browser for the editor beside each lesson, and Python 3.10 or later on your computer for the last lessons.
Last updated: 30 Sep, 2026 · Python 3.14
The first lessons run in your browser, so you can start reading print() straight away and install Python when you reach Virtual environments and pip.
The editor beside each lesson
Each lesson with a program has an editor next to the reading. Change the code and press Run; Python runs inside your browser, so there is nothing to install.
Python 3.10 or later on your computer
From Virtual environments and pip you work in a terminal on your own machine, which needs Python installed. Install it from python.org, or with your operating system's package manager, then check the version:
python3 --versionAny version from 3.10 up works. The outputs on these pages come from Python 3.14, the version the editor runs.
A free Groq key for the real modelOptional
Only the last section of Project: ticket triage calls a real model, and it is optional. It uses Groq, which has a free plan: sign in at console.groq.com/keys, create a key, and set it where you run Python:
export GROQ_API_KEY="your-key-here"Keep the key out of your code and out of anything you share. The rest of the course runs without it.
Browser editor vs Python on your computer
| Browser editor | Python on your computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Nothing | Python 3.10 or later |
| Lessons | print() to Timeouts and retries | Virtual environments and pip onwards |
| Packages | Loaded for you, such as pydantic | Installed with pip |
python, and on macOS and Linux python3. If one says the command is not found, try the other before reinstalling.Related
- Previous: Python for AI overview
- Next: print()
- Reference: Python Setup and Usage
- Run
python3 --version(orpython --versionon Windows) in a terminal, if Python is already installed. - Open print() and press Run in the editor beside it.
Little by little, you're building something great.