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02 🛠️ Setup and Installation

Environment Setup

Python Installation

Setting up Python correctly is essential. We recommend downloading the latest stable Python version from the official Python website. Ensure you select the appropriate version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Follow the installer instructions, selecting the option to add Python to your PATH environment variable.

Verify your installation by running:

python --version

Virtual Environment

Using virtual environments helps isolate your project dependencies and avoids conflicts.

pip

pip is Python's package installer, allowing easy management of packages. It comes bundled with Python 3 by default. Verify pip installation by running:

pip --version

Virtual Environment (venv)

Virtual environments isolate project dependencies. Set up a virtual environment with Python's built-in venv:

Creating and Activating a Virtual Environment

python -m venv myenv

# Activate the environment
# On Windows:
myenv\Scripts\activate

# On macOS/Linux
source myenv/bin/activate

VSCode

In VSCode the default library when Creating Environment is .venv instead of venv

Installing Packages

Once activated, install packages using:

pip install numpy pandas matplotlib

Integrated Development Environment

Choosing the right Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is crucial for efficiency.

IDLE

IDLE comes bundled with Python and is suitable for basic scripting and quick experiments.

  • Launch IDLE from your Python installation.
  • Provides a straightforward interactive shell and simple editor.
  • Ideal for beginners or small tasks.

VSCode

  • Highly recommended for professional development.
  • Feature-rich editor with extensive Python support through extensions.
  • Easy integration with Jupyter Notebooks, Git, and debugging tools.
  • Installation: VSCode.

PyCharm

A powerful, dedicated Python IDE ideal for larger, complex projects.

  • Excellent code completion, debugging, and version control integration.
  • Offers Community (free) and Professional (paid) editions.

JupyterLab

Web-based IDE highly popular among data scientists.

  • Combines notebooks, terminal, text editors, and visualization in one interface.
  • Perfect for interactive data exploration, visualization, and documentation.
  • Install via pip:
pip install jupyterlab

Launch by running:

jupyter lab

This setup ensures a solid foundation to maximize productivity in your Python-based projects.

Bug

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