Help with Installed Python!

Question

Because I’ve been wondering that how come the picture of the files in the subdirectories of Python in the tutorial is markedly different from my own Python subdirectories? Should I reinstall it?

Answer 1

Hello PianSa?

The "cmd terminal" referred to in tutorials is indeed the Command Prompt on Windows. When you open it normally, it will start in your user directory (e.g., C:\Users\yourusername). However, if you run it as an administrator, it often starts in C:\Windows\System32 because that's the system directory.

Here's a simple answer to your questions:

1. **Is the cmd terminal the Command Prompt?** Yes, the cmd terminal is another name for the Command Prompt in Windows.
2. **Do you need to open it as an administrator?** This depends on what you are doing. For most Python-related tasks like running scripts or using pip, you do not need to open it as an administrator. However, for some operations that require changes to system files or directories, you might need administrative privileges.
3. **Is it necessary to change the directory from C:\Windows\System32?** If you open Command Prompt as an administrator and it starts in C:\Windows\System32, you may need to change to the directory where your Python files are located. You can do this using the cd (change directory) command followed by the path to the directory you want to access.

For instance, if you want to go to your user's directory, you would type something like this in the Command Prompt:

cd C:\Users\yourusername

Replace yourusername with your actual Windows username. If you need to run Python or pip commands, it's usually sufficient to just use the Command Prompt without administrative rights, unless the task specifically requires it.

Thank you, Ibhadighi

Answer 2

Hello PianSa,

I'm Ibhadighi and I'd happily help you with your question. In this forum, we are Microsoft consumers just like yourself.

The appearance of Python subdirectories can vary based on several factors, such as the version of Python installed, the method of installation (e.g., using the official installer from python.org versus a package manager like Anaconda), and whether any additional packages or modules have been installed.

The first image appears to show Python installed from the Microsoft Store, which uses a slightly different directory structure and is installed in the "Local Packages" directory of the user's AppData. The second image looks like a standard installation from python.org, typically installed in the "Program Files" or a user-specified directory.

It's normal for these to look different because they are two different types of installations. As long as Python works correctly on your system when you run scripts or use the interpreter, there is no need to reinstall it. If you're following a tutorial, the file structure in the tutorial may be based on a different Python version or installation method, but it should not affect your ability to learn Python or follow the tutorial.

If your installation is not functioning correctly, then you may consider reinstalling Python. When doing so, it's generally recommended to download the latest version from the official Python website and follow the installation instructions provided there.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards, Ibhadighi

Answer 3

That's good to know, that there's no need to reinstall it.

I have another question though. Because I'm wondering as I got stuck by the first instruction, which is to open the cmd terminal. Because would this mean the command prompt as an administrator? Because when I get to that the directory is in C;\Windows/System32 but in the tutorial it's C;\Users\***. That's why I'm not sure if the cmd terminal being referred to is the command prompt or there is also this prompt that I get in Python.

Answer 4

And this is per my Windows Explorer:

Answer 5

This is per tutorial: