University of South Florida workshop
Tuesday, February 20th, 2024
9:00 - 10:30 am EST
This workshop will introduce the basics of Python, providing a foundation for beginners that are interested in working with data.
We will program in Python using JupyterLab, a programming environment that runs in a web browser. For this to work you will need a reasonably up-to-date web browser -- Chrome, Safari and Firefox are all supported.
You will also need to find the command line (aka terminal, shell) on your system. If you are not familiar with the command line on your system, you can find help HERE.
To start the software, you will need to use your terminal to open a notebook. In your terminal type jupyter notebook - your terminal will fill with code and a new browser window will open with the Jupyter software. Click on New and Python3, and you are all ready to code in a new notebook! For more information about getting started, HERE is a helpful document.
Downloading Python and JupyterLab independently may often times run into issues that are tricky and time consuming to resolve. A simpler method of installing is to use the all-in-one installer Anaconda. It provides a user-friendly interface, allows easy access to Python packages, and is simple to install.
Download Anaconda - https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual
Addition Help with Anaconda - HERE
For advanced users that are familiar with the command line and prefer to install Python and JupyterLab individually, you can find the links and installation instructions on the software websites below.
There are two current versions of Python -- we will be using version 3.6 or later.
Download Python 3.x - https://www.python.org/downloads/
Install JupyterLab by following the first set of instructions - https://jupyter.org/jnstall
We will be using the Python number array package, Numpy. It must be installed on your computer using the command line using the command pip.
- Getting started with pip instructions
- Note: You may need to use
python3instead ofpythonlike the instructions indicate - Note: You may also need to use
pip3instead ofpip
- Note: You may need to use
- If
pipis not installed or working, try following these instructions HERE
- On command line, type:
pip install numpy
- NumPy: the absolute basics for beginners
- Super quick review of the basics (free): W3Schools Python Exercises
- DataCamp is great for beginners - you have to sign up for a free account to access the material. Both free and paid courses are available.
- A helpful document with the basics covered by this workshop: DataCamp Python Basics Cheat Sheet
- Beginner's Guide to Python - Official Python with extensive resources