Python 3 prints text with the built-in print() function. Running print("Hello, World!") confirms your environment works and teaches the basic syntax used throughout Python.

Prerequisite: Install the latest Python 3 from the official site if it’s not already on your system. See the downloads page at python.org. The print() function is documented at docs.python.org.

Step 1: Create a new file named hello_world.py.

Step 2: Paste this one line into the file.

print("Hello, World!")

Step 3: Open a terminal or command prompt.

Step 4: Change directory to where you saved the file.

cd path/to/your/folder

Step 5: Run the script.

# Windows (reliable): 
py hello_world.py

# Windows (if python is on PATH):
python hello_world.py

# macOS/Linux:
python3 hello_world.py

Step 6: Verify the output shows exactly one line.

Hello, World!

Method 2: Use the interactive Python shell (REPL)

Step 1: Open a terminal or command prompt.

Step 2: Start the Python REPL.

# Windows:
py -3

# macOS/Linux:
python3

Step 3: Type the print command and press Enter.

>>> print("Hello, World!")
Hello, World!

Step 4: Exit the REPL.

exit()

Method 3: Run in a browser-based IDE (no install)

Step 1: Open any online Python IDE or notebook in your browser.

Step 2: Create a new Python file or cell.

Step 3: Enter and run the one-line program.

print("Hello, World!")

Method 4: Use IDLE (bundled with Python on Windows/macOS)

Step 1: Launch IDLE from your Start menu or Applications folder.

Step 2: Open a new file via File → New File.

Step 3: Paste the program.

print("Hello, World!")

Step 4: Save as hello_world.py.

Step 5: Run it with Run → Run Module or press F5.

Notes and quick fixes

  • Use Python 3 syntax: print() requires parentheses in Python 3, which is the current standard. In Python 2, print was a statement without parentheses.
  • Windows launcher tip: The py command is the official Python launcher on Windows and reliably selects your installed Python 3 (docs). If python doesn’t work, try py.
  • If nothing prints: Confirm you’re in the correct folder and you passed the filename. On Windows, run where python or use py hello_world.py. Also ensure your file is not named python.py.
  • Strings can use single, double, or triple quotes. For example, print('Hello, World!') and print("Hello, World!") both work.
  • Indentation matters in Python, but not for this one-liner. When you write blocks like if or for, use four spaces per indent.

That’s all you need to print “Hello, World!” in Python. Keep the script handy—you’ll reuse the same workflow for every program you write next.