# Python SDK Quick Start

This page covers Python control only. Before connecting hardware for the first time, identify your product in
[Choose Your Product and Manual](products/index.md) and read its interface, power and safety instructions.

If you do not need to write code, use [Control Pannel](software/control-pannel.md) for direct graphical control.

## 1. Prepare

- Python 3.9 or later.
- Connect the hub's command/control port to your computer with a USB cable.
- To control downstream USB devices, connect the upstream data port, auxiliary power and downstream devices as described in the matching user manual.

After enumeration, the command port normally appears as:

| System | Typical port name |
| --- | --- |
| Windows | `COMx` |
| Linux | `/dev/ttyACM*` |
| macOS | `/dev/cu.usbmodem*` |

## 2. Install the Python SDK

Install the published package:

```shell
python3 -m pip install smartusbhub
```

Developers can install the current source tree instead:

```shell
git clone https://github.com/mixedsignal-labs/smartusbhub.git
cd smartusbhub
python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
python -m pip install -e .
```

## 3. Run your first control script

The example discovers a hub, reads its product and channel list, and then enables the first channel:

```python
from smartusbhub import SmartUSBHub

hub = SmartUSBHub.scan_and_connect()
if hub is None:
    raise RuntimeError("SmartUSBHub not found; check the USB connection and serial-port permissions")

try:
    channels = list(hub.get_channels())
    print("Product:", hub.get_product_name())
    print("Channels:", channels)
    hub.set_channel_power(channels[0], state=1)
finally:
    hub.disconnect()
```

When working from the source repository, you can also run the included example:

```shell
python examples/power_control_example.py
```

## 4. Continue

- [Python examples](software/examples.md): power cycling, data switching, measurement and multi-hub control.
- [Python SDK Guide](software/python-library.md): installation options, device discovery and complete feature guidance.
- [Python API Reference](api/python.rst): classes, methods and parameters.
- [Choose Your Product and Manual](products/index.md): open the correct manual by product image and label.