Configure Python on macOS

This page will walk you through installing Python and setting up your environment on macOS.

Installing Python

macOS comes with a system Python, but it is outdated and should not be used for development. Install a fresh version using one of the following methods.

Option A: Homebrew (Recommended)

If you do not have Homebrew installed:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Then install Python:

brew install python

Option B: Official Installer

Download the macOS installer from python.org/downloads and follow the prompts.

Verify

python3 --version

On macOS, use python3 and pip3 unless you have configured an alias or are inside a virtual environment.

Installing VS Code

1. Download VS Code.
2. Move it to your Applications folder.
3. Open it and install the Python extension (Cmd+Shift+X → search Python → Install).

Creating the Course Folder

Open Terminal and run:

mkdir python-101
cd python-101

Setting Up a Virtual Environment

python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate

You should now see (.venv) in your terminal prompt.

You will need to run source .venv/bin/activate each time you open a new terminal. Grade 8 covers virtual environments in detail.

Verifying Your Setup

With your virtual environment active, run:

python --version
pip --version

Both should return version numbers. You are ready to start Grade 1.

Notes

• Once inside a virtual environment, python and pip refer to the environment's versions — no need to use python3.
• VS Code will detect your .venv automatically when you open the folder — select it as your interpreter if prompted.