Installing Python#
In order to work though this workshop, we must first install Python on your computer. There are multiple ways to install Python.
If you already have a Python setup that you are happy with, you can continue to use that (make sure your Python version is current).
More about Anaconda Distribution
Anaconda (One way to install Python)#
Rather then installing the components separately (Python and associated materials), for this workshop we will use Anaconda Navigator, which is an all in one installer
Download & Setup
Download Anaconda. Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and install it.
Anaconda Navigator provides a user-friendly graphical interface for installing and working with the Python programming language. It manages packages, environments, and launching applications like Jupyter Notebook.
After installation, open Anaconda Navigator. To start Anaconda, locate and open Anaconda Navigator from your system’s application menu or by searching for it in the Start menu (Windows) or Launchpad (macOS).
Python Environment Setup (Anaconda) with walkthrough and images.
– Note:
you can also use the Anaconda Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) to interact with Anaconda through the command line
Miniforge (Another way to install Python)#
Miniforge is the preferred conda-forge installer and includes conda, mamba, and their dependencies.
Conda is a command-line (CLI) tool.
Jupyter Lab & Notebooks#
Now, after installing Python, run or install & launch Jupyter Lab. Once Jupyter Lab is open, you can now run Jupyter notebooks are documents that contain both computer code (like Python) alongside explanatory images, figures, videos, and links. Most importantly, the code in a Jupyter notebook can be executed, modified, and deleted.
Open Jupyter Lab from Anaconda Navigator
Many tutorial sites use these notebooks, so becoming familiar with how to launch and use them is a useful skill.
– Note:
This means you can install Jupyter Lab through pip or conda commands If you installed Python using minforge or any Anaconda distribution, use the conda command.