Introduction

Welcome to this class on Backend Development with Python.
I’m Mr. Akim shittu from TecTerminal Inc.

Python is one of the most popular programming languages.
It’s widely used in:

• Backend web development

• Data analysis

• Machine learning

• Automation

In this course, we’ll focus on using Python for backend web development.

What You’ll Learn in Lesson 1

In this first lesson, we’ll cover:

1. Introduction to Python

2. Setting up Python in VS Code

3. Verifying installation

4. Installing Python extensions in VS Code

5. Creating your first Python project and file

Setting Up Python

Step 1: Download Python

1. Open Google Chrome (recommended).

2. Visit www.python.org.

3. Go to Downloads.

4. Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, etc.).

   • Note: Python 3.9 and above doesn’t work on Windows 7 or earlier.

Step 2: Install Python

1. Run the installer from your Downloads folder.

2. Select “Add Python to PATH”.

3. Check “Install for all users”.

4. Choose Customize Installation → make sure all options are ticked.

5. Click Install.

Once done, you’ll see “Setup was successful.”

Verifying Installation

1. Open the Command Prompt (CMD).

2. Type:

   python --version


3. Press Enter.

   • If successful, you’ll see the installed Python version (e.g., Python 3.11.5).

Setting Up VS Code

Step 1: Install VS Code Extension

1. Open VS Code.

2. Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X).

3. Search for Python by Microsoft.

4. Click Install.

Step 2: Create a Python Project

1. Create a new folder (e.g., py_course) on your Desktop.

2. Open the folder in VS Code.

3. Create a new file with the .py extension (e.g., lesson1.py).

Writing Your First Python Program

In your file, type:

Click Run in VS Code.

Expected output:

Recap

In this lesson, we:

• Learned what Python is and why it’s popular.

• Downloaded and installed Python.

• Verified the installation via command prompt.

• Installed the Python extension in VS Code.

• Created and ran our first Python program.

In the next lesson, we’ll cover:

• Variables

• Data types

• Operators

• Control flow (if statements & loops)

• Functions and modules