Installing Python & Spyder on your computer

While some sort of an editor is used for writing Python programs, all programs must be run (or "executed") by the computer. In order for the computer to be able to understand what your written code means, it needs to be able to understand the Python language.

In Week 1 we'll use the Python 3 built into ZyBooks to write Python, but after that, we'll be writing our own Python outside of zyBooks.

Anaconda Installation

(Note: These are instructions for your home computer/laptop, not for the UIC lab computers! Python is already installed on lab computers.)

Our class will use Python 3, and more specifically, the Anaconda distribution of Python 3.9. It comes with a nice editor that also helps us run and debug programs (a so-called “IDE,” or integrated development environment), which we will also use for writing Python programs for homework, projects, and practice.

To install these items on your computer, please follow the instructions below:

• Go to https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual

• Click the download button for the Python 3.9 version. You should only see the version for the auto-detected operating system you are currently using. (Note: if given an option for operating system, choose yours—Mac/Windows/Linux. If you are given the option to choose between the Graphical Installer and the Command-Line installer, choose the Graphical Installer.)

• Open the downloaded file, and click through Agreements (Agree/Continue) to perform the installation. (Note: if you see a checkbox in the installation dialog asking something like, “Do you want to modify PATH so anaconda is included in your home path” be sure you do check that box. This box is automatically checked and the question is ordinarily not asked in the course of a default install.)

Congratulations, you’re done! Spyder is automatically installed as part of the Anaconda distribution of Python. Spyder (Scientific Python Development Environment) is an integrated development environment useful for writing, running, and debugging code.

Starting Python on your own Machine after you have install Spyder

(Note: When you open Spyder it might occasionally ask you to update to the latest version, currently v5.1.5. If you don't want to, you can simply uncheck the box to stop automatic Spyder version updates. Any version of Spyder version 4 or later should be 100% fine.)

To open Spyder:

1. (On Windows OS:) Select Anaconda from the Start menu. (On macOS:) search for Anaconda Navigator with Spotlight (the magnifying glass on the top-right side of screen). On a Mac you may find it convenient to keep Anaconda Navigator for future use.

2. Having located either the Anaconda Navigator application or shortcut icon, click on either one to open the Anaconda Navigator.

3. Finally, click on “Launch” under “Spyder” to launch Spyder.

Using Spyder (editing code and running Python)

Once you open Spyder, it will present with a large window, which is split into three smaller window panes, one on the left, and two on the right.

Spyder may take a little while to start up. (Depends on your computer.) It will look something like this:

There are three main areas in Spyder:

1. Code Editor, on the left, lets you create and edit existing Python source files. It can contain several file tabs.

2. IPython console window pane, on the lower right, gives you direct access to a Python interactive console (also called the Python interpreter or Python shell). You can click on a different tab at the bottom to toggle between the console and history log.

3. Sometimes, you may find the top-right side pane useful. By default, it can display help, variables, and files. You will maybe use those later.