Get Started with Python

• Complete the Python for Beginners training course.
  • Step by step directions for installing Python for Windows, Mac and Linux are included.
  • NOTE: Windows users should install for Windows, NOT WSL/Linux.

Windows Users - Leaving WSL Behind

NOTE: These steps are for Windows users only.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) will NOT be used in Python 401. This will make many things easier but will require a couple changes to use Windows native tools.

There aren’t too many changes needed. Give them a shot and reach out to instructional team if you run into any issues.

GitBash

• You will switch to using GitBash for your terminal instead of Ubuntu shell.
  • GitBash “emulates” the unix environment so it will feel like the Ubuntu shell.
  • GitBash is bundled in when you install Git.
  • To access GitBash enter GitBash in Windows search bar at bottom of screen.
    • You can optionally add GitBash to dock for easy access.
  • From here on out terminal means GitBash unless explicitly told otherwise.

Git

• Git for Windows
  • Choose the first link that says Click here to download
  • Run the installer and click ‘Next’ for each prompt. Keep the default options selected on all screens EXCEPT the prompt titled Choosing the default editor used by Git.
    • On that screen, click the dropdown menu and choose Use Visual Studio Code as Git’s default editor.
  • When done installing Git, open a new terminal window and enter git --version
    • You should get something close to git version 2.43.0.windows.1
    • If you don’t then reach out to instructional team.
• GitHub CLI
  • Click Download for Windows button.
  • Run the installer with default options.
  • Once installation complete, open a new terminal window and type gh --version
    • You should get something close to gh version 2.40.1 (2023-12-13)
    • If you don’t then reach out to instructional team.
  • Authorize Github CLI
    • In terminal enter gh auth login
    • Select Github.com
    • Select HTTPS
    • Choose Y to authenticate using GitHub credentials.
    • Choose Login with a web browser
    • Follow the instructions to copy code and enter it a github.com
    • Authorize GitHub CLI’s request by clicking Authorize GitHub button at bottom of screen.
    • Confirm Access if using Multi Factor Authentication.

STRETCH

• Creat an account at Exercism and begin the Python track.

Submission Instructions

Submit your thoughts on these prompts in the assignment’s text field in Canvas.

• List any features of Python that you like/dislike most so far.
• List some of the ways that Python is similar and different to JavaScript.