If you’re a serious data scientist, learn the nuts and bolts of Anaconda at Real Python’s “Setting Up Python for Machine Learning on Windows”ĭid you get Miniconda and Spyder installed? Note: This tutorial is aimed at non-programmers who just want to edit a few CSV files with Python. I’ll be screenshotting the process of getting up and running on a Windows 64-bit machine.

Still, I respect Chris’s experience, so let’s give it a try! (If your computer will let you, though, consider installing the main, big version of Anaconda software – it’s so much simpler!) (Alternatively, I wrote a tutorial on installing the Windows Store version of Python.) IntroĬhris Moffitt, author of Practical Business Python, recently said on episode 200 of the “Talk Python To Me” podcast that he likes to walk beginners through installing Anaconda’s “ Miniconda” software on their system and adding Excel-friendly plugins like “pandas” by hand.

Plus, even if you install “big Anaconda,” as I like to call it, the instructions on installing & updating “modules” in this documentation may come in handy if you need to install extra modules like “Simple Salesforce” or if you want to update your Python installation in a year. You’ll be much happier than you would following these instructions, which take you through installing “Miniconda” (made by the makers of Anaconda) and adding functionality like “Spyder” and “Pandas” by hand.īut Miniconda takes less space, and may be easier to install without admin rights to your computer, so it’s worth documenting step-by-step. Look for software called “Spyder” in your Start menu, run it, and start coding.

Updating a “module” Conda doesn’t know aboutĪfter documenting this process step-by-step, I’ve concluded that the best way to install Python on your computer is to follow these shorter instructions and simply:ĭownload & install software called “Anaconda”.

Installing a “module” Conda doesn’t know about.

Checking whether “modules” are installed.

Setting up an IDE for pleasant programming.

Installing Miniconda & running a Python program.

Install miniconda