Install Software

To get started in this course, you will need a code editor and Python installed on your computer.

Visual Studio Code

Install Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Download the installer for your operating system and complete the setup with the default options.

Disable AI features in VS Code

This class does not allow use of artificial intelligence tools unless your instructor says otherwise (see the syllabus). VS Code includes built-in and extension-based AI features that must be turned off for class work.

1. Navigate to your toolbar and open File > Preferences > Settings (on macOS, Code > Preferences > Settings)
2. Navigate to Chat > Miscellaneous > Disable AI Features and enable the setting

Download and install Python

A Python interpreter reads your code and executes it. In order to run any Python program, you need an interpreter installed on your computer.

Go to the downloads page on python.org and download the latest Python version. When the installer finishes downloading, run it.

On Windows, make sure “run as admin” is unchecked and “add to PATH” is checked. Run the default installation (not custom install).

You may see a terminal open after running the installer. Type y and then enter for each of the questions. When this terminal is closed, the installation is finished!

Install Python VS Code extension

VS Code does not include Python support out of the box. Install the Python extension to enable syntax highlighting, code formatting, and a simple way to run your programs.

1. Open VS Code
2. Open the Extensions view from the left sidebar (four squares icon)
3. Search for “Python”
4. Install the extension published by Microsoft

When the installation finishes, you are ready to write and run Python code in VS Code!