Question

In the text for the MIT course, Learn Python the Hard Way, they suggest that MacOS users should not install Python... just an editor, Text Wrangler, and use it plus, via Terminal, the version of Python that comes with MacOS. Is that OK for the MOOC class? I installed Python 2.6.x but, can uninstall it if needed. I would prefer to do that and use the editor and Terminal.

Answer 1

That seems OK, the only thing I would want to check is the version of Python installed, make sure it is 2 not 3.

Answer 2

I checked Terminal on my Mac (OS-10.7.5). The version of Terminal is 2.2.3 from 2011. Does anyone know which build of Python would be running? If it is an earlier version, is there a way to update it for Terminal? Is there a way to check the version in Terminal?

Answer 3

Type "python" in Terminal and u should get a prompt...

U can always upgrade from the Python main site

Answer 4

It's 2.6.6 Guess that will work fine. Other Mac aficionados take note!

Answer 5

That's actually the one specified by the MIT people:-)

Answer 6

Before you really ramp up on the programming, spend some time getting familiar with terminal. The time spent will pay you dividends down the road.

Answer 7

An editor will do, although you may find it easier if you install the console / GUI.

Answer 8

#mMooc: i'm using 2.7.2 and hoping that will work. But one of my programming friends had me install a program called Eclipse for Mac. It will let me choose which version of python i want to run since it apparently is backward compatible that way. if that helps anyone with some optional tool apps. :)