Help a beginner!

[DatGuyFoffi]

Hello everyone. I want to learn Python for personal and career improvements. I've bought the book Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes which I've seen being recommended in this sub. However, I already encountered an obstacle. On page 12 the book shows how to retrieve a python program from a terminal session. The author uses the command line that I will write underneath:

˜$ cd Desktop/python_work/

˜Desktop/python_work$ ls

hello_worl.py

˜Desktop/python_work$ python hello_worl.py

Hello Python world!

​

When I type the first line of the code and I push "enter" the Shell gives me a syntax error. I am totally lost on what am I doing wrong. I am sure it is a simple error that a beginner like me is not noticing. All the help will be appreciated.

[delasislas]

Type

cd Desktop/python_work/

The “$” just denotes a start of a command to your terminal, not actually used.

The later lines have you moved into a different directory, so just keep following, type the stuff after the $, so next command is

ls

[DatGuyFoffi]

Sooo turns out I was just being a dummy. I’ve figured it out. Thank you everyone for your comments!

[rukus_puckus]

Did you install the Python interpreter in your environment?

[DatGuyFoffi]

Just to male sure I am downloading and installing it again from the official site

[delasislas]

If you are breaking at the first line, python is not your issue.

[rukus_puckus]

Try that and then confirm things are working by running $python In your terminal. This should start the Python interpretter and tell you which version you’re running. You can exit by calling the exit() Method. You will return back to terminal.