Setup for Python: Advanced Topics
Required Software
- Windows 10 or Mac: OS X Mountain Lion (version 10.8) or later
- Visual Studio Code (Installation instructions below)
- Python (Installation instructions below)
Instructions
Creating the Webucator Folder
The first step to setting up for your course is to create the folder in which you will store your class files: Create a new folder named Webucator wherever you want, but make sure you remember where it is.
Getting the Class Files
Download the Introduction to Python class files, found at the bottom of this page, and unzip them into the Webucator folder. This will create a folder called ClassFiles.
Visual Studio Code
(You can use any editor that you like; however, if you don't have a preference, we recommend Visual Studio Code.)
- Download Visual Studio Code for your operating system.
- Install Visual Studio Code (Instructions).
- Open Visual Studio Code.
Installing Python
Option 1: Install Anaconda
If you plan to take our Advanced Python course as well, you should install Anaconda, a free Python distribution that includes many commonly used Python packages.
- Go to the Anaconda download page.
- Click the Download button for your operating system to download the Graphical Installer.
- Open the installer and follow the installation instructions.
Option 2: Install Python only
- First, check if you have Python installed already by opening a command prompt and entering:
python -V
If you have Python 3.3 or later, you are ready for class, though you may want to upgrade to the latest version. - If you do not have Python 3.3 or later installed, go to the Python download page.
- The web page should identify your operating system automatically. If it does not, select your operating system.
- Click the latest "Download Python 3.x" link to download the Python installer.
- Run the installer. Be sure to check the Add Python to Path check box.
Test your installation by opening a command prompt and typing "python". You should get a Python prompt, like this: Running Python at the command line