Python Installation
For IT5001, we will be working predominantly with the Python programming language, specifically version 3.13 (latest stable release as of January 2025). A vanilla distribution of Python is enough to get through the course, and is strongly recommended. However, if you have a different distribution (e.g., from Anaconda), you may proceed with using it so long as it is also on the same version.
Instructions
- Download the Python 3 installer from python.org.
- Use the graphical installer to install Python.
For customizations:
- Select Add python.exe to PATH to enable launching Python from the command line. This will help with checking if Python is installed correctly.
- Under Optional Features, ensure Documentation and td/tk and IDLE are selected. Documentation allows for quick reference for your convenience, whilst IDLE will be what is used during demonstrations during lecture and allowed during practical exams.
- pip will allow for installing packages used in data science and machine learning later on. It will come essential for you once you reach there, but for now it is not compulsory.
Once done, proceed to check if Python is working properly, or install a code editor of choice if you fancy.
To Check if Python is Installed Correctly
"The Correct Installation Method"
A simple search on YouTube or search engine of choice may flood you with various videos claiming a different way to install Python is the correct way. These are often substantiated with their observations on how it helps their own workflow better such as utilizing different versions across different projects, being beneficial with use of some of their other tools, or easy upgradability, or it simply comes down to preference.
My advice is not to get too bogged down by these claims. As a beginner, these scenarios would not apply to you, as you have yet to encounter such issues - in some cases, you may never encounter these issues at all if you do not follow down a similar path in career trajectory or work on anything similar to what they are working on. Following the basic route of navigating into Python.org to download Python will not adversely affect you at this stage yet.
That being said, if you already know a different method of installing Python, and/or may have already been utilizing said method, more power to you. A lot of the advice here is targeted towards beginners, especially those who have not written a line of code before.
Python Version Selection
When choosing which version to install, it is often understandable to go for the latest version possible, as it may introduce bug fixes, extra improvements and features, etc. that may enhance one's experience using a program, tool, etc. However, you are advised to go for not simply the latest version, rather the latest stable release (or versions with long-term support (LTS) like with the Java programming language).
The following snapshot shows all the active Python releases as of January 2025. Depending on when you read this and/or when this page is updated, you may see a different collection of versions listed in this table here.
In the list of available versions, observe the column that says "Maintenance status". Do not select any pre-release versions - these are versions that are still being worked on and are not yet a stable substitute to older versions. For beginners, it is imperative that your programming environment poses as few uncertainties as possible to ensure an optimal learning experience.
You can read more about pre-release versions here.
Code Editor
During the practical exams, you should expect to only use the provided lab computers and not your own personal machines. In these lab computers, IDLE and Visual Studio Code (VSCode) will be installed and ready for use. You will also be working in a controlled environment set with Examplify - we guarantee that IDLE will work well with Examplify, but have yet to confirm the same with VSCode (touch wood, nothing yet). Hence, we recommend using IDLE as that will be the program utilized for demos by the instructor during lecture, and possibly your TAs as well. However, you are still welcome to use VSCode, as it has some features that may prove beneficial, or is a familiar tool of choice by those with prior experience in programming.
That being said, there are other code editors that may cater specifically for Python programming such as JetBrain's PyCharm, IntelliJ IDEA, Spyder, and Jupyter. Each code editor or integrated development environment (IDE) is built to cater to varying audiences - some are more suitable as a data science and machine learning environment, while others are meant to be like a versatile Swiss army knife like tool. Regardless, keep in mind that we still recommend either IDLE or VSCode as those are the only code editors allowed to be used during practical exams.
My suggestion, should you still choose to use your preferred code editor or IDE to learn Python, is simply to ensure you are at least somewhat familiar with how IDLE and/or VSCode works. On the flip side, I also implore all of you to look into other code editors as well other than IDLE, as some of them have features that will greatly help you especially during assignments - code linting can be a godsend in communicating potential mistakes that may lead to various errors if left unchecked. Personally, I prefer VSCode myself, but I will tend to use IDLE during my lab sessions instead to promote its use.