Setting up SEC Edgar MCP - Install Python

Before you can run the SEC EDGAR MCP Tool to connect to Claude, you’ll need to have Python installed on your laptop.

Python is a programming language that allows the tool to run scripts and connect to external services.

This guide walks you step-by-step through installing Python on both Windows and MacOS, even if you’ve never done this before.

Part 1: Checking if Python is Already Installed

Windows

• Click on the Start button and type cmd, then open Command Prompt.
• Type this command and press Enter:

1python --version

• If you see something like Python 3.12.2, Python is already installed.
• If you get a message saying ‘Python is not recognized’, follow the installation steps below.

MacOS

• Open Spotlight Search by pressing Command (⌘) + Spacebar.
• Type Terminal and press Enter.
• Type this command and press Enter:

1python3 --version

• If you see a version number (for example, Python 3.11.6), you’re all set.
• If you get an error or no version number, follow the installation steps below.

Part 2: Installing Python

Windows Installation Steps

1. Go to the official website:
   https://www.python.org/downloads/
2. Click the yellow button that says “Download Python 3.xx” (the latest version).
3. Once downloaded, open the installer file.
4. Important: On the first screen, check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” before clicking Install Now.
5. Wait for the installation to complete. It may take a few minutes.
6. When it says “Setup was successful”, click Close.

Verify the Installation

• Open Command Prompt again.
• Type:

1python --version

• You should now see something like Python 3.12.x.

MacOS Installation Steps

1. Go to https://www.python.org/downloads/mac-osx/
2. Click “Download Python 3.xx macOS installer”.
3. Open the downloaded .pkg file.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install.
5. When it finishes, close the installer.

Verify the Installation

• Open Terminal again.
• Type:
  

1python3 --version

• You should now see a version number such as Python 3.12.2.

Part 3: Confirm pip is Installed

pip is Python’s package manager—it allows you to install extra tools (like the SEC EDGAR MCP Tool).

• Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
• Type:

1pip --version

(Use python3 instead of python on Mac.)

Next Step

Once Python is installed and working, you can move on to installing and running the SEC EDGAR MCP Tool to connect to Claude.