Introduction
In this article, we will see why to choose the latest version of Python 3.x, compared to older versions of Python. We will also cover how the latest version of Python 3.8.0 should be installed on the latest version of the Windows 10.
Comparisons between Python 2 and Python 3
To date, we can see there are essentially major 3 versions found in the 30-year journey of Python: Python, Python 2, and Python 3. From 1991 to 2000, Python 1 existed. After this mid-era period, Python 2 was running in the technology market. Finally, after 2008 Python 3 was launched with brand new and advanced features. Python 2 and Python 3 are quite different from one another.
If Python is the first programming for you; you can blindly choose the latest version of Python without learning the previous versions of Python. This is a great advantage for a new learner in the Python Community. Python 2.x is still running in the technology world, but Python 3.x is the present and future of the language.
There is no backward compatibility in Python. It means if a user has created a project in Python 3.x, it’s not possible to run that project in the previous versions Python or Python 2.x at all. In the same way, if a user had made a project in Python 2.x, it’s not possible to run in Python 3.x. There are many programming languages like Java, C, C++, or PHP which are compatible with higher or lower versions. Here, this is not possible.
These are some basic Comparisons of Python 2 and Python 3 with the example of Python Shell,
| Python 2 |
Python 3 |
| Division operator works like C |
Division operator gives real values |
| |
|
| Print “hello” / Print (“hello”) |
Print (“hello”)- Valid statement |
| |
|
| Implicit str type is ASCII |
Implicit str type is UNICODE |
| |
|
| range() and xrange() both functions are in use. |
range() and xrange() both functions are in use. range() is also works as xrange() |
| |
|
| Exception Handling |
as Keyword is required |
| |
|
| raw_input() for reading strings |
raw_input() is replaced with input() function. |
| |
|
Download the latest version and get started learning on Python 3.x versions. Let’s move on with the installation of Python 3.8.0 Installation on Windows 10.
Installation of Python 3.x
Step 1
Go to the web browser and open this link:
Here, you can this screen
Step 2
There are many tabs available in the Python application services. Here, we will choose the Downloads.
Then select on All releases, which will provide us with all available Python versions according to the user’s requirements.
Here, we will go with the latest version Python 3.8.0. When we choose All Releases, it will provide the whole list of all versions as well as latest version download links. Check the image shown below:
Note
Previous versions before Python 3.5+ will not be supported in Windows XP or the latest Windows.
Step 3
We will choose the latest version to get started with Python. Here, I chose Python 3.8.0, which is the latest version. Choose Run when it shows the Popup Message box according to your browser settings for the Python Application.
Step 4
After selecting Run, the Python Application is going to start installing on your device. Here, I Choose Python 3.8.0 for Windows 10, the current and very latest system.
Here, I highlight the marking of the second checkbox. By default, it’s unchecked. In that case, we will have to check it.
In some circumstances, we can run Python on the Command Prompt or DOS Shell.
There are two more ways to start installation,
We will choose the first option.
Just check in the above image.
Step 5
You can see the installation screen on your display.
The procedure would be the same for any Windows Operating System.
Here in this installation, we will install the code editor.
Choose the Close Button and your setup is completed successfully.
Here we have finished the Download and Installation Process.
Now, we will launch the Code Editor.
Step 6
Choose the Start Button select Python 3.8(32 bit)
This is Python Code Editor or Python Shell.
Here, we can write code and make applications.
Let’s see with some examples. They will show us if Python is working properly. There is an interpreter so it will give the results immediately.
Just go with simple mathematical equations which are valid Python code,
3+5
8
And
2*7
14
Another way to check to see if it has successfully installed or not is to go with Command Prompt.
Go to Start - write CMD
Command Prompt = MS Dos =DOS Shell
When the Dos Shell Open, just write: python, as the above Python interpreter is getting started and you will enter into the Python Shell.
Here, you should find that it will work the same.
If you are a beginner in Python who is learning new commands, this interpreter is useful for executing the single lines. There is no need to write a whole program to execute just a simple line. In other languages, such as Java, C, and C++ it’s not possible to write a single line or print just a word or a line.
Furthermore, we can go through the multiple lines and execution code snippets of an application in Python.
Summary
In this article, we saw the comparison of Python 2 and Python 3. Then we learned how to install Python 3.8.0 on Windows 10. The Python Shell executes a single line code successfully on the interpreter.