Installation of Python and tools

To follow this course you need:

1. Anaconda. This installs the Python language and many popular add-on packages (numpy, scipy, matplotlib, jupyter etc.). 

2. VSCode. This is a code editor, which we will use to run Python code from.

Later we will also use Git. This is a version control system, where you can download and upload code to  e.g.  github.com.

Step 1: Anaconda

Note: The installation might fail if your computer username contains a space or special characters (æ, ø, å, ê, â, î, ô, û, ä, ö, ë, ï, ü, ÿ etc.). The easiest solution is to change your username (otherwise you need to install Anaconda on a path not containing your user name).

1. Download Anaconda Distribution Python 3.14 from anaconda.com

2. Run the installer (default settings are fine)

3. Close all windows (we will not be using Anaconda Navigor or other Anaconda tools)

Troubleshooting: Do full uninstall. Install an older version of Anaconda from the archive. For older macs you might need to install Anaconda3-2025.06-1-MacOSX-x86_64.pkg.

Step 2: VSCode

1. Download VSCode from code.visualstudio.com

2. Run the installer (default settings are fine)

3. Open VSCode

4. Windows: Press Ctrl+Shift+X (or choose Extensions in the left-side Activity bar) 

Mac: Cmd⌘+Shift+X 

5. Install the extension Python

6. Install the extension Jypyter

7. Windows: Press Ctrl+Shift+P to command control palette 

Mac: Cmd⌘+Shift+P

8. Paste in Python: Select Interpreter, choose the option where anaconda3 is part of the path

See VSCode Guide for getting started. 

Other optional extensions:

1. Jupyter TOC: Generates tables (my settings:  Min Header Level = 2 and add Numbering)

2. vscode-pdf: Viewing pdf files

Step 3: Get Github Copilot Student

In VSCode, we use the GitHub Copilot. The usage limit can be increased for verified students.

1. Create a GitHub account

2. Follow the instructions here: Apply to GitHub Education

3. Hover over the Copilot icon to the right in the Status Bar in VSCode and select Use AI Features

4. Sign-in with your GitHub account

Troubleshooting:
a) Find another student for whom it worked. Do exactly as they did.
b) Apply from the university wifi
c) Wait a couple of days (new GitHub accounts are sometimes not verified

Step 4: Git (optional)

1. Windows: 

a. Download Git for Windows from git-scm.com/downloads/win

b. Run the installer (default settings are fine)

Mac (see  git-scm.com/download/mac): 

a. Install homebrew (if not already installed)

b. Run brew install git in the terminal (type password and press enter)

2. Open Git Bash

3. Run git config --global user.email "YOUR E-MAIL"

4. Run git config --global user.name "YOUR GITHUB USERNAME"

5. Verify the information: Run git config list --global

See Git Guide for getting started.