Installing python

During the course, we will use python 3.x and the packages numpy, scipy, matplotlib, seaborn, ipython and the ipython-notebook.

Linux

Use your favourite package manager to install: python3, python3-numpy, python3-scipy, python3-matplotlib, python3-seaborn, ipython3, ipython3-notebook Now, check if ipython notebook works by typing: ipython3 notebook If it does, open a new notebook and type

import numpy
import scipy
import matplotlib.pylab

Press shift+enter and see what happens. If nothing happens and no error appears, everything is fine. If the installation failed, if you don't have root privilege or if you prefer a local user installation, you can also try to install Anaconda as described below for Mac and Windows.

Windows and Mac

Download the python 3.X installer from http://continuum.io/downloads and follow the instructions there.

Anaconda also includes a graphical Launcher application that enables you to start IPython Notebook, IPython QTConsole, and Spyder with a single click. On Mac, double click Launcher.app in your ~/anaconda directory. On Windows, you’ll find Launcher in your Start Menu. Start the IPython Notebook and type:

import numpy
import scipy
import matplotlib.pylab

Press shift+enter and see what happens. If nothing happens and no error appears, everything is fine.