Installing the Anaconda Python Distribution
We recommend installing the latest version of Anaconda Python 3.x .
If you have difficulty with the installation, the Tech Clinic should be able to help.
Learning the Basics of Python
Here are some useful tutorials for beginners and budding experts:
- DataCamp Python Courses (3 levels)
- Software Carpentry course on Python
- Additional Software Carpentry courses (and videos)
Integrated Developer Environments (IDEs) for Python
The Anaconda distribution comes with two user-friendly interfaces for Python called Jupyter and Spyder.
To run the Jupyter notebook, open a terminal window and type “jupyter notebook.” To run the spyder IDE, open a terminal window and type “spyder.”
There are many fancier IDEs available for python. A highly regarded IDE is “pycharm” from jetbrains. However, for beginners this is more complicated than needed. If you want to try it, download the educational version "pycharm EDU”