What you will need (images as data)

During weeks 2 and 3 of the course, you will use Python 3 and the Python library Pillow to explore how images are represented with data.

You will need to use either the online IDE Repl.it or a computer with Python 3 and Pillow installed.

Using the online IDE Repl.it

Repl.it is a free-to-use service where you can create programs in Python. You can use Repl.it without creating an account, although having an account makes it simpler to view and keep your programs together.

To create a new Python program in Repl.it, click the + new repl button in the top right-hand corner and select the language Python.

Using a computer with Python installed

You will need a computer installed with:

• Python 3

• An IDE (code editor), such as:

  • Mu

  • Thonny

  • IDLE (installed with Python 3)

• The Pillow Python library

You will need to install the Pillow Python library to complete this course. It is available as a Python package, which is reusable code that you can download, install, and then use in your programs. There is an index of Python packages at pypi.org, where you can also find information about packages.

How you install Pillow will depend on your operating system, the permissions you have to control your computer, and the IDE you are using.

You can find instructions for installing Pillow at pillow.readthedocs.io.

Mu IDE

The Mu IDE comes pre-installed with the Pillow library.

Thonny IDE

The Thonny IDE lets you install Python libraries (packages) via its Manage packages function.