This contains the setup and system configuration instructions for users. Users participating in a class will come to this page to determine what system requirements are needed (or recommended) to take full advantage of the course material.

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Course 0: Setup and configuration

Goal: Course 0 is to ensure that the computer you will be using for the python classes is fully set up and configured so you can get started. This involves getting packages installed, computers configured, everything updated to the correct versions, etc. so students can participate hands-on in class with minimal in-class debugging.

Timeline: 30 - 60 minutes, done prior to taking a course. (Longer if you require sysadmin support to complete installation.)

Requirements: The computer you’ll be using in the course. If you don’t have privileges to install software then you’ll have to work with your systems administrator, but most software below (at least for the Bootcamp portion) should not require administrator priviledges.

1. Bootcamp and Data Science Class Setup

The Python training is based upon the Python 3.x series (with compatibility notes for the Python 2.x series where applicable) using the Anaconda distribution/bundled software. We expect each participant to have the following two pieces of software installed on their laptops at least the day before the training begins:

Step 1: Anaconda Python Distribution

Anaconda offers a bundled distribution of Python along with many utilities for use in the scientific/engineering disciplines. This software is available at

https://www.anaconda.com/download/

You will want Anaconda 3.7 (not 2.7). Windows users: How to determine if you need the 32- or 64- bit version: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15056/windows-32-64-bit-faq

Remember to reboot after installation!

Note: If possible, please download and use the command-line installer designated for your operation system rather than any graphical installer (though some systems may require Anaconda Navigator, you may need to check with your sysadmin). If you do not know how to use the command-line, please email us for further instructions. Also, at the end of the installation prompts, you are asked to install Microsoft’s VSCode software suite. We will NOT be using this as we will be using the Jupyter Notebook that is included in the download.

Step 2: Git - Version Control System

All presentation materials are kept in a Git repository. To access this repository, you need the Git software available at https://git-scm.com/download/

We will not be using a Git GUI Client, but rather using Git from within the Jupyter notebook or command line (Git Bash for Windows Users).

Note: If you are on a Mac OS and you have/use XCode and have administrator priviledges, please manually reinstall the Git client as it will complain due to the Git client associated with that XCode software package.

This training repository can be downloaded by issuing the following command (from your terminal or Git Bash - Windows Users) at any time during these trainings:

git clone https://github.com/helio670/bootcamp.git

You do not need to have a GitHub account to perform this and obtain the material online. If you would rather download a single snapshot .zip file of the presentations, you can do so via the web browser.

As we move along, we may update the presentations to make minor corrections or add content that would be beneficial to your learning. In addition to these, solutions to the exercises will be provided through the Git repository by the end of each day.

Note: If you download the .zip file, you will not be able to update these files using Git. You will have to re-download the .zip file to obtain the latest presentation and changes.

Step 3: Verify your configuration

At the terminal prompt (cmd in Windows) type

jupyter notebook

This should open a directory menu in a web browser window.
Select from the "New" menu in the upper right "Notebook: Python 3" This should open a new notebook.
To test, enter

import numpy
import pandas
import dask

into the notebook and run those commands to verify that the data science packages load properly (if no error appears it probably executed properly).

Troubleshooting

If you have difficulty with any of the setup, please email us or arrive early for the bootcamp. Instructors will be available half an hour before the scheduled start.