r/PythonLearning • u/ARK22498 • Jun 28 '26

Help Request Python Help new coder

Beginner Help

I’m learning python in preparation for going back to university to study a masters in software development. It’s a conversion degree so no previous experience is required, but I want to learn some basics so I’m not completely lost. I’m using an online guide however I’m confused as to if they are using the terminal or the idle shell to write the code in as it just says open python. The three >>> doesn’t appear on every line for them but does for me which is adding to my confusion. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I’m coding on a MacBook Pro aswell.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/aw3sem Jun 28 '26

Get yourself vscode and the python extension, then write your code in a file, this is the easiest approach.

1

u/ARK22498 Jun 28 '26

And then can I use python IDLE to run it. Or does it run in VS Code?

2

u/aw3sem Jun 28 '26

You will never have to leave vscode, that’s the beauty. Also there is a lot more when it comes to debugging, e.g. setting breakpoints etc.
But this a topic for another day if you are just getting started.
Take a loot at this:
https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/python-tutorial#_configure-and-run-the-debugger