Python Environment Setup Guide

If your Python environment is already set up, all you need to do is install the pycarta package in your environment by running:

pip install pycarta

If you need to configure your Python environment, please follow the steps below for both Windows and macOS users:

Install Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

1. Download VSCode:

   • Visit the official Visual Studio Code website: https://code.visualstudio.com/

   • Download the installer appropriate for your operating system (Windows or macOS).

2. Install VSCode:

   • Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Install Python

1. Download Python:

   • Navigate to the official Python website: https://www.python.org/downloads/

   • Download the latest stable release suitable for your operating system.

2. Install Python:

   • Windows Users:

     • Run the installer.

     • Ensure you check the box labeled “Add Python to PATH.”

     • Proceed with the installation using the default settings.

   • macOS Users:

     • Run the installer and follow the default prompts to complete the installation.

3. Verify Installation:

   • Open a terminal or command prompt.

   • Type python --version and press Enter.

   • You should see the installed Python version displayed.

Configure VSCode for Python Development

1. Install the Python Extension:

   • Open VSCode.

   • Click on the Extensions icon in the sidebar or press Ctrl+Shift+X (Cmd+Shift+X on macOS).

   • Search for “Python” and select the extension published by Microsoft.

   • Click the “Install” button to add the extension to VSCode.

2. Set Up a Virtual Environment:

   • Create a New Project Directory:

     • Open VSCode.

     • Navigate to File > Open Folder... and select or create a folder for your project.

   • Create a Virtual Environment:

     • Open the integrated terminal in VSCode by selecting Terminal > New Terminal.

     • Run the following command to create a virtual environment named .venv:

     python -m venv .venv
     

   • Activate the Virtual Environment:

     • Windows Users:

       .venv\Scripts\activate
       

     • macOS Users:

       source .venv/bin/activate
       

   • Select the Interpreter in VSCode:

     • Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Cmd+Shift+P on macOS) to open the Command Palette.

     • Type Python: Select Interpreter and press Enter.

     • Choose the interpreter located in your virtual environment (e.g., .venv/bin/python or .venv\Scripts\python.exe).

3. Install pycarta Using pip:

   • With the virtual environment activated, install the pycarta package by running:

   pip install pycarta
   

Set Up Jupyter Notebook in VSCode

1. Install Jupyter:

   • In the activated virtual environment, install Jupyter by running:

   pip install jupyter
   

2. Install the Jupyter Extension in VSCode:

   • In VSCode, click on the Extensions icon.

   • Search for “Jupyter” and install the extension published by Microsoft.

3. Create and Open a Jupyter Notebook:

   • In VSCode, navigate to File > New File....

   • Save the new file with a .ipynb extension (e.g., notebook.ipynb).

   • VSCode will recognize the file as a Jupyter Notebook and open it accordingly.

By following these steps, you will have a fully configured Python development environment in Visual Studio Code, complete with a virtual environment, the pycarta package, and Jupyter Notebook support.