Installing Python#

Python is installed on the PCs in the Dalton Building labs. To work on these materials at home you will need to download and install Python to your own computer. Fortunately Python is open source meaning that it is free to download and install.

For Windows#

  1. Download the Installer:

    • Go to the official Python website at www.python.org

    • Click on the Downloads tab

    • Click on the Download Python X.X.X button (where X.X.X is the latest version)

  2. Run the Installer:

    • Locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click on it

    • In the installer window, check the box that says Add Python X.X to PATH at the bottom

    • Click on Install Now

  3. Installation Process:

    • The installer will begin installing Python, this process includes installing pip (Python’s package installer) and other necessary components

    • Once the installation is complete, click on Close

  4. Verify the Installation:

    • Open the Command Prompt (you can do this by typing cmd in the Start menu and pressing Enter)

    • Type python --version and press Enter, you should see a message displaying the Python version you installed

    • Similarly, type pip --version to verify pip installation.

For macOS#

  1. Download the Installer:

    • Go to the official Python website at www.python.org

    • Click on the Downloads tab

    • Click on the Download Python X.X.X button (where X.X.X is the latest version)

  2. Run the Installer:

    • Locate the downloaded .pkg file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click on it

    • Follow the instructions in the installer, clicking Continue and Install as needed

  3. Installation Process:

    • The installer will guide you through the installation process, including installing IDLE, pip, and setting up the PATH

  4. Verify the Installation:

    • Open the Terminal (you can do this by searching for Terminal in Spotlight)

    • Type python3 --version and press Enter, you should see a message displaying the Python version you installed

    • Similarly, type pip3 --version to verify pip installation

Installing Spyder#

Spyder is an open-source integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed for scientific computing, data analysis, and research in Python. It provides a comprehensive set of tools that facilitate efficient code development, debugging, and exploration of data through a user-friendly interface.

  1. Go to https://www.spyder-ide.org

  2. Click on the appropriate download link for your computer (if you have a newer mac choose “Download for macOS(M1)”)

  3. Open the downloaded installer program and follow the onscreen instructions.