Python Installation

Python Installation#

In this section, we provide guidance on installing Python and setting up a suitable development environment for this course.

Python Version#

We will be using Python 3.12 for this course. Please refer to the installation options below.

Alternative: Installation from Python Website#

If you prefer a more minimal installation:

Python IDEs#

An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software application that provides programmers with tools for software development, such as a source code editor, compiler, build automation, and debugging tools.

Jupyter Notebook and Google Colab#

After installing Python, you can proceed to install Jupyter Notebook, the default IDE for data science and scientific computing. Jupyter Notebook allows you to write code and include documentation with Markdown.

  • If you installed Python via the Anaconda distribution, Jupyter Notebook comes pre-installed

  • To launch Jupyter Notebook with Anaconda: Open Anaconda Navigator and click on the Jupyter Notebook icon

  • To install Jupyter separately: pip install notebook

In addition to local Jupyter Notebook, you can also use Google Colab, which is an online Jupyter Notebook accessible via the cloud, offering free GPUs for working with LLMs and other AI-based Python programs.

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