This is an introductory course on programming in Python and we will be using Spyder IDE to program in Python. In order to make sure that everybody has a similar Python setup and a working copy of Spyder, please install the Anaconda Python package on your computer. The download and installation will take some time so, please complete setup before class.

Anaconda is a self-contained Python installation, with many useful modules and packages pre-installed. It can be downloaded from here:

https://store.continuum.io/cshop/anaconda/

The download button is on the top-right.

After installing Anaconda, a program called “Launcher” will be installed, the easiest way to find Launcher is to just search for in in search or spotlight. From the launcher, Spyder can be started.

Screenshot of the Anaconda launcher (and icon)