Software installation

Required software

This unit will require the following software:

1. Python

2. NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib

3. Jupyter Notebooks

4. Git

5. Visual Studio Code

You will need to set up a user account on GitHub if you do not already have one.

Installing Python, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and Jupyter

Python, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and Jupyter can be installed in one go by downloading and installing Anaconda, which is recommended.

Important: When installing Anaconda, pay careful attention to any options in the installer that refer to "adding Python to the PATH environment variable" (see image below). Make sure this option is checked. Otherwise, it will not be possible to run Python from a terminal.

Installing git

If you are using Windows, then git can be downloaded from the git website. Be sure the select the 64-bit standalone installer. There are a lot of options to choose from when running the installer but it is okay to use the options that are selected by default. Again, it is important to ensure that git is added to the PATH environment so make sure the appropriate option is selected (see below).

If you use OSX, then to install git, just open a terminal type git and you should be offered to "install the OSX command line tools". Follow the instructions and you should have git installed.

Install Visual Studio Code

Simply download from the website and install.

Post-installation steps

Once you have everything installed, please check that it works correctly.