OSX set up Python (Anaconda)

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.

Try to download and install Anaconda from this file which contains Python 3.7 for OSX.

If that doesn't work for any reason, download and install the Python 3.7 option from Anaconda's website, on the right. If necessary, scroll down to the "Anaconda for Windows" section.

Make sure you selected the Python 3.7 option, as Python 2.7 behaves differently and isn't what we use in this course. If you get an error about not being able to run that software on your computer, talk to me.

Once the program is downloaded, run the downloaded file which should launch a graphical installer.

Install notes

If you get stuck during the install process, ask a neighbor or raise your hand for help. These instructions may also be helpful.

Anaconda may leave a shortcut called "Launcher" on your desktop. You can delete this link: we won't be using it in the workshop.

Test your Python install

Now that you have installed everything you need, we will make sure we can start a Terminal and run Python from the command line.

Start up a Terminal. You can find the Terminal application through Spotlight, or navigate to Applications/Utilities/Terminal.

This Terminal contains something called a command prompt. This command prompt is another way of navigating your computer and running programs -- just textually instead of graphically. We are going to be running Python and Python scripts from this command prompt.
Test your Python install at the command prompt. Type
```
python
```
and hit enter. You should see something like
```
Python 3.7.2 (default, Oct  8 2014, 10:45:20) 
[GCC 4.9.1] on macosx
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.
- If the Python version number (3.7.2 in the example above) is not a number between 3.6 and 3.7 (ignoring the number after the second dot), raise your hand for help.
To exit the Python prompt, type
```
exit()
```
and press Enter. This will take you back to the OS X command prompt.

Success!

You have tested your Python installation.

Alternative Installation Instructions

If the installation above fails, you can follow these instructions instead:

Download and install the Anaconda that includes Python 3.7:
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 3.7".
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 MAC OS X 64-bit Python 3.7 Graphical Installer.

Once the (~275 MB) installer package is downloaded, double click the .pkg file and follow the instructions on the screen. Install Anaconda in your home folder.