Getting Ready for Python

The setup course to finish before Intro to Python. You will learn what Python is and how it works, install Python from python.org, meet the IDLE editor, install the beginner friendly Thonny editor and Jupyter Notebook on your own computer, and set up a OneDrive or Google Drive folder so your work is always backed up. Six short modules, about twenty to thirty five minutes each, with a quick quiz at the end of each one.

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1. What Python Is and How It Works
What a programming language does, how Python runs your code, and the strengths and weaknesses of Python. (20 min)
2. Installing Python on Your Computer
Download Python from python.org, install it on Windows or a Mac, and check that it works. (30 min)
3. Meet IDLE and Learn What an IDE Is
Open IDLE, try the Shell and the Editor, save your first program, and learn what an IDE is. (30 min)
4. Installing Thonny, a Beginner Friendly Editor
Install Thonny from thonny.org, find your way around its window, and run your first program in it. (25 min)
5. Installing Jupyter Notebook with pip
Learn what PyPI and pip are, install Jupyter Notebook on your own computer, and create your first notebook. (35 min)
6. Saving Your Work and Online Backup Options
Set up a course folder in OneDrive or Google Drive, start Jupyter from that folder, and know the free online options if you are away from your computer. (30 min)