Python Toolset Installation Instructions

Note: You may be in the habit of logging into stu using VS Code to complete your coding work for CS courses. That won’t always work for this class because we will often be working with data visualizations that only run properly on your local computer. You should configure a local Python environment with the necessary libraries.

Windows Setup Instructions

1. Install Miniconda using the official installer.

2. Download the file env445.yaml to a convenient location.

3. Open the Anaconda Prompt from the Start Menu.

4. Navigate to the folder where you saved the YAML file, for example:

   cd path\to\download\folder

5. Create the environment:

   conda env create -f env445.yaml

6. Make sure the Windows Terminal and Powershell are properly configured for Conda:

   conda init powershell cmd.exe

7. To use VS Code:

   • Open your project folder.
   • Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P).
   • Choose Python: Select Interpreter.
   • Pick the entry that mentions env445 (or the full path like ...\miniconda3\envs\env445\python.exe).

macOS Setup Instructions

1. Install Miniconda for macOS using the official installer.

2. Initialize Conda for your shell (one-time):

   • Open Terminal, then run:

     conda init zsh  # Use 'bash' instead if you're using Bash

   • Close Terminal, then reopen it so the change takes effect.

3. Download the file env445.yaml to a convenient location.

4. In Terminal, navigate to the folder where you saved the YAML file, for example:

   cd ~/Downloads

5. Create the environment:

   conda env create -f env445.yaml

6. To use VS Code:

   • Open your project folder.
   • Open Command Palette (⇧⌘P).
   • Choose Python: Select Interpreter.
   • Pick the entry that mentions env445 (or the full path like /Users/<your-username>/miniconda3/envs/env445/bin/python).