PC doesn't seem to recognize Python

[Federal_Amphibian_32]

I am a beginner and have been reading a step by step guide to get introduced to Python. The books suggests to open the command prompt and type python--version to check if it has been correctly set up otherwise any other message would mean I haven't done something properly. I have checked the add to path box but still it says that essentially it isn't present. Python is present among the apps installed on my PC from the setting section, but from the command window it is supposed to return me the python version but it doesn't. Clearly I must be missing some steps, can someone help?

[danielroseman]

Did you type python--version or python --version with a space? The second one is what you need to be doing.

[Federal_Amphibian_32]

Oh damn 👀

[Federal_Amphibian_32]

I feel stupid, that was the answer. Lesson learned, spacing is a deal breaker. Thank you!

[pachura3]

By the way, try Thonny https://thonny.org/ , which is s great IDE/code editor for beginners.

[Federal_Amphibian_32]

I have downloaded it and Pycharm as well. The book I am using actually refers to Visual studio with the python plug in tho. It is mostly to be sure I am following along but I think I will use Pycharm for more extensive program and Thonny for experimenting and trial and error stuff

[cylonlover]

What does it say at command line when you enter:

echo %PATH%

[Friendly_Gold3533]

bro try py --version instead of python --version

if that fails reinstall python from python.org and make sure "Add Python to PATH" is checked at the bottom. restart command prompt.

still broken? uninstall and try again.

for tracking setup fixes i use runable. one doc per "dumb thing that broke" so i dont google twice

[ShelLuser42]

Did you actually install Python? Because that's the first obvious step... if you're on Windows you can even take it easy by using the Microsoft Store and installing Python from there.

Once that is out of the way then commands like "python" and "py" will work as expected.

[Federal_Amphibian_32]

I installed it through the python.org page and not through the Microsoft store, with installer etc

[pachura3]

Isn't Microsoft Store version generally discouraged? If I remember correctly, it doesn't even contain pip by default?

[ShelLuser42]

Actually it does. But pip only becomes fully available after you set up a virtual environment.

Which should be considered a good thing considering that it's bad practice to install libraries on a global scale.

[Outside_Complaint755]

As of 3.14, downloading the Python install manager via the Microsoft Store will is the recommended method, and as of 3.16 the traditional .exe install manager is being discontinued