How to Run Your First "Hello, World!" Program in Python

If you're just starting your Python journey, the first thing you’ll do is write the legendary "Hello, World!" program. But running that single line of code is more than a ritual, it’s your first step into real-world Python development.

Here, you’ll:

• Run your first Python program.
• Understand different ways to execute Python files.
• Learn how to organize files in a Python project.

Prerequisites: Install Python

Before running any Python code, ensure Python is installed on your system:

1. Install and Manage Multiple Python Versions on Windows Using pyenv-win

2. How to Use Python venv: Create and Manage Virtual Environments

OR

 - Visit: https://www.python.org/downloads

- Install the latest stable version (Python 3.x)

- Make sure to check "Add Python to PATH" during installation on Windows

- Verify Installation:

python3 --version

Step 1: Write Your First Python Program

Let’s write the simplest program that outputs text to the screen.

Code: hello.py

print("Hello, World!")

This single line uses Python’s built-in print() function to display text.

Step 2: Run the Program

Option 1: Using Command Line

1. Save the file as hello.py
2. Open terminal or command prompt

3. Navigate to the folder where the file is saved:

   cd path/to/your/folder
   

4. Run:

   python hello.py
   

   or

   python3 hello.py
   

Option 2: Using an IDE (VS Code, PyCharm)

1. Open the file in your IDE
2. Click the Run button or use a shortcut:
   • VS Code: Ctrl + F5
   • PyCharm: Shift + F10

You should see output:

Hello, World!

📁 Understanding Python Project Directory Structure

While a single file works for simple tasks, real-world Python projects have multiple files and folders. Let’s create a basic directory structure:

my_first_project/
│
├── main.py
├── utils.py
├── requirements.txt
├── README.md
└── /modules
    └── helper.py

Description:

• main.py – The main file to run the program
• utils.py – Utility functions used across your project
• requirements.txt – List of dependencies (for later use with pip)
• README.md – Project overview/documentation
• /modules – Folder to store reusable modules like helper.py

Bonus: Run as a Script from Any Directory

Make your Python file runnable from any location:

Step 1: Add shebang (Linux/macOS only)

At the top of hello.py, add:

#!/usr/bin/env python3 

Step 2: Make it executable:

chmod +x hello.py

Step 3: Move it to a location in your PATH or create an alias.

Best Practices for Beginners

• Always name files with lowercase and underscores, e.g., hello_world.py
• Keep your project files organized, especially as your project grows
• Use virtual environments (python -m venv venv) to isolate dependencies (explained in a later post)
• Use print() for debugging while starting out
• Use version control like Git once you’re familiar

Final Words

Congratulations! You’ve just written and run your first Python program. This small beginning opens up endless possibilities from automation scripts to full-stack web applications.

Understanding how to structure your projects and run your code from different environments will make your Python journey smoother and more productive.