1. Install Miniconda

Miniconda is a free minimal installer for Anaconda. Anaconda is a free and open-source Python platform that contains:

  1. software to install, run, and update Python packages
  2. software to create, save, load, and switch between project specific software environments on your local computer
  3. A distribution of Python itself

Note that while some operating systems come with Python already installed, it's likely to be a much older version. We will be using Python 3.11, which is a recent Python version, and which is what will be installed by Minicdonda.

Miniconda Installer (OS X and Windows). Be sure to install the version labeled "Python 3.11", not the version labeled "Python 2.7".

Windows Instructions

  1. Download the installer from the above link.
  2. Double-click the .exe file.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  4. When installation is finished, from the Start menu, open the Anaconda Prompt.

Verifying your installation

To test your installation: In your terminal window or Anaconda Prompt, run the command conda list. A list of installed packages appears if it has been installed correctly.

OS X Instructions

  1. If you haven't installed Apple's Xcode Command Line Tools, do that now. Open a terminal, run xcode-select --install, and follow the prompts.
  2. Download the installer from the above link. Be sure to choose the "Miniconda3 MacOSX 64-bit pkg" link. If you have an Apple Silicon system, make sure you download the version for M1.
  3. Double-click the .pkg file.
  4. Follow the prompts on the installer screens.

Verifying your installation

Open the terminal application and type conda list. A list of installed packages appears if it has been installed correctly.

2. Install Git

Git is a free, open-source version control system.

Windows Instructions

  1. Download the git installer
  2. Double-click the .exe file.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Verifying your installation

Open up the Powershell Prompt and type git --version. You should see something like git version 2.35.1.windows.1.

OS X Instructions

  1. Install Homebrew.
  2. Once installed, run brew install git, accepting the prompts.

Verifying your installation

Open the terminal and type git --version. You should see something like git version 2.33 (Apple Git-117)

3. Install PyCharm

PyCharm is a free integrated development environment for Python that is created by a company called JetBrains.

  1. Go to the PyCharm home page and click the "Download" link
  2. Select the "Community Edition" download as it is free. The "Professional Edition" is free for educationala use.
  3. Follow the installer instructions.

Verifying your installation

You should be able to find the PyCharm app with the rest of your applications and open it.