Setting up your Windows 10 System for Python Development (PyDev, Eclipse, Python) - London App Developer (original) (raw)

In this article I’ll explain how you can set-up your Windows 10 machine for some extreme Python development.

UPDATE: Here is a video version of the tutorial (updated to use the latest Python3 and Eclipse Neon).

Install Python

First we install Python. I recommend Python 2.7 because it has the most compatible packages. Visit www.python.org and navigate to Downloads > Windows and click Python 2.7.9.

Next, select Download Python 2.7.9 from options.

Wait for the Python installer to download, and then double click on it.

The Python Windows Installer will launch.

In the Python Setup screen, select Install for all users and click Next >.

I recommend you leave the destination directory as default and click Next >.

Leave the Customize Python 2.7.9 screen as default and select Next >.

Wait for the installation to complete.

Once the installation completes, choose Finish.

Now we need to add Python to the environment variables. This means when you type “python” into the Windows Command Prompt window, it will start Python. Right click the Start Menu in the bottom left and select System to load the System menu.

In the System menu, click on Advanced system settings.

In the System Properties window, select the Advanced tab and click Environment Variables…

Under System variables, find the variable with the name Path. Click it and choose Edit…

Being careful to leave the existing values intact, navigate to the end of the Variable value text box. Then append “_;_C:\Python27\” to the end (without quotes). The semicolon is used to separate the variables. Then click OK to save the update.

Then click OK on the Environment Variables screen.

Click OK on the System Properties screen.

Exit the System menu by clicking X.

Now left click the start menu again and choose Command Prompt to load a new Command Prompt window.

Now enter “python” into the window and hit Enter.

If you type print “hello world” it should output “Hello World” on the screen. Python has been successfully installed.

Install the Eclipse PyDev Plugin

Next we will install the Eclipse PyDev plugin. Launch Eclipse by double clicking on the eclipse executable.

Eclipse will launch.

Once Eclipse loads, select Help > Install New Software…

The Install menu will load. Next to the text box that says type or select a site, click on Add… to add a new repository.

In the Add Repository window, type the name PyDev, and enter the location as http://pydev.org/updates. Then click OK.

Now ensure that the PyDev repository is selected in the Work with menu. Check the box next to PyDev in the list and click Next >.

Review the Install Details screen and select Next >.

Have a fleet of lawyers review the license agreement and if they advise it’s safe, select I accept the license agreement. Then click Finish.

The Installing Software box will display the progress of the installation.

During the installation, you should be prompted if you trust the certificate. Check the box next to Branwy Software; PyDev; Brainwy and click OK.

After the installation completes you will be prompted to restart eclipse. Choose Yes.

Once Eclipse restarts, click on Window > Open Perspective > Other.

In the Open Perspective menu you should be able to find one called PyDev. Select it and click OK to open the PyDev perspective.

If the Welcome screen is still visible, you can close it by clicking the X.

PyDev is now installed and you can begin coding!