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On Windows, a student types python --version and sees the message that python is not recognized.
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
On Windows, a student types python --version and sees the message that python is not recognized. The student has just installed Python. Give three things to try.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
The message does not mean that Python is broken. It means that the terminal cannot find it.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, compare your working with the solution.
The terminal cannot find the program. The usual reasons and fixes are these.
- Use the other command. Try
py --version. The Python launcher is installed with Python, and it often works whenpythondoes not. - Open a new terminal. A terminal that was open during the installation does not know about it.
- The PATH box. The student may not have ticked Add python.exe to PATH. Run the installer again, choose Modify or install again, and tick the box.
Answer: try py --version, open a new terminal, and check the PATH box in the installer.
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