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Install Python and Cursor

Step-by-step guidance for installing Python (standard or Anaconda) and configuring Cursor.

Updated 2026-01-23

Overview

You can install Python in two main ways:

  • Standard Python (recommended for most students)

  • Anaconda (useful if you want a bundled data-science environment)

Both options work with Cursor. Choose one and follow the steps below.

Option A: Standard Python (recommended)

Windows

  1. Download Python from the official site: https://www.python.org/downloads/

  2. Run the installer and check Add python.exe to PATH.

  3. Choose Install Now.

  4. Open Command Prompt and verify:

    • python --version

    • pip --version

macOS

  1. Download Python from the official site: https://www.python.org/downloads/

  2. Run the installer package.

  3. Open Terminal and verify:

    • python3 --version

    • pip3 --version

Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

  1. In Terminal, run:

    • sudo apt update

    • sudo apt install python3 python3-pip

  2. Verify:

    • python3 --version

    • pip3 --version

Option B: Anaconda (bundled data tools)

  1. Download Anaconda: https://www.anaconda.com/download

  2. Install using the default settings.

  3. Open Anaconda Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and verify:

    • python --version

    • conda --version

Install Cursor

  1. Download Cursor: https://cursor.com/download

  2. Install and launch the app.

  3. Sign in if prompted, then open your project folder.

Configure Cursor to work with Python

  1. In Cursor, open the integrated terminal (View → Terminal).

  2. Create a virtual environment:

    • macOS/Linux: python3 -m venv .venv

    • Windows: python -m venv .venv

  3. Activate it:

    • macOS/Linux: source .venv/bin/activate

    • Windows (PowerShell): .venv\\Scripts\\Activate.ps1

  4. Cursor should detect the environment. If it does not, reopen the folder.

Verification steps

  1. Create a file named hello.py with:

    • print(\"Hello from Python\")

  2. Run it in the terminal:

    • macOS/Linux: python3 hello.py

    • Windows: python hello.py If you see the message printed, Python and Cursor are working correctly.

References