Windows set up Python (Anaconda): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:55, 28 March 2015

Download and install Python

We're going to be installing Python using a collection of software that includes Python that, as a collection, is called Anaconda. Anaconda includes the Python programming language and a bunch of different pieces of software that are useful for data science and analysis. Although the collection includes all free software, it is put together by a commercial company called Continuum Analytics.

To install Python, you should:

Download and install the Anaconda that includes Python 3.4:
1. First, visit the Anaconda download page.
2. Click the blue text to the right side of the penguin logo that says "I WANT PYTHON 3.4".
3. Click on top button on the right side of the same box under the text "CHOOSE YOUR INSTALLER". The button should say something like Windows 64-bit Python3.4 Graphical Installer.
Once the program is downloaded, run the downloaded file which should launch a graphical installer.
Use all of the defaults for installation, except make sure to check Make Anaconda the default Python.

Note In addition to the 360MB file you will download, the installation will take several hundred megabytes for the 64-bit installer (which is most likely the version you'll be installing.)

Test to make sure Python is working

Open a Command Prompt. You can do this by hitting WIN+R, and typing in powershell.
- This is called a "command line interface"---a way of interacting with your computer by typing.
Test your Python install at the command prompt. Type
```
python
```
and hit enter. You should see something like

Python 3.4.2 (default, Oct  8 2014, 10:45:20) 
[GCC 4.9.1] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>>

You just started Python! The >>> indicates that you are at a new type of prompt: a Python prompt. The command prompt lets you navigate your computer and run programs, and the Python prompt lets you write and run Python code interactively.
To exit the Python prompt, type
```
exit()
```
and press Enter. This will take you back to the Windows command prompt.

Success!

You have Python installed and configured.

Alternative Setup

If you do not want to use the Anaconda installer, you can take a look at this page. This set up will be significantly more difficult and may cause problems later in the workshops.