Most Linux distributions ship with Python installed, so the goal of this page is to make sure you can start a terminal and run Python from the command line.

1. Start up a Terminal. You can find the Terminal application at Applications/Accessories/Terminal, or it may already be on your menu bar.

1. Test your Python install at the command prompt. Type "python and hit enter. You should see something like:

Python 2.7.1 (r252:60911, Jan 24 2011, 17:44:40) 
[GCC 4.3.2] on linux2
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> 

• You just started Python! The >>> indicates that you are at a new type of prompt -- a Python prompt. The command prompt let's you navigate your computer and run programs, and the Python prompt lets you write and run Python code interactively.

• If the Python version number (2.7.1 in the example above) does not start with "2.7", tell a staff member.

1. To exit the Python prompt, type "exit()" and press Enter. This will take you back to the Linux command prompt.

Success!

You have tested your Python installation.

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