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Getting Started¶

Welcome to the Python Basics Boot Camp! This guide will help you get set up and ready to start learning Python.

Prerequisites¶

  • A computer with internet access
  • Basic computer skills (file management, installing software)
  • Enthusiasm to learn!

Installation¶

Installing Python¶

You'll need Python installed on your computer. We recommend Python 3.8 or later.

Windows: 1. Download Python from python.org 2. Run the installer 3. Important: Check "Add Python to PATH" during installation

macOS: 

# Using Homebrew
brew install python3

Linux: 

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install python3 python3-pip

# Fedora
sudo dnf install python3 python3-pip

Verify Installation¶

Open a terminal/command prompt and run: 

python --version
# or
python3 --version

You should see the Python version displayed.

Setting Up Your Environment¶

We recommend using a virtual environment to manage dependencies:

# Create a virtual environment
python -m venv .venv

# Activate it
# Windows:
.venv\Scripts\activate
# macOS/Linux:
source .venv/bin/activate

For more detailed instructions, see our Virtual Environment Tutorial or Transitioning to UV.

Installing Jupyter¶

To run the interactive notebooks locally:

pip install jupyter notebook

Course Structure¶

This bootcamp is organized into 3 weeks:

Week 1: Python Basics¶

Learn fundamental Python syntax, variables, data types, and basic operations. Complete the calculator homework assignment.

Week 2: Functions & Modules¶

Dive into functions, iterators, generators, and modular programming. Build a rock-paper-scissors game.

Week 3: I/O & Exceptions¶

Master file input/output, error handling, and debugging. Create a text reader and writer application.

How to Use This Site¶

  • Navigation Tabs: Use the tabs at the top to navigate between weeks
  • Interactive Lab: Access JupyterLite to run notebooks in your browser (no installation needed!)
  • Search: Use the search bar to find specific topics
  • Code Examples: Click the copy icon to copy code snippets

Learning Tips¶

  1. Practice Regularly: Code every day, even if just for 15 minutes
  2. Type the Code: Don't just read - type out the examples yourself
  3. Experiment: Modify examples to see what happens
  4. Ask Questions: Use the community forums or GitHub discussions
  5. Complete Homework: Implementation is key to learning

Time Commitment¶

  • Training Content: ~1-2 hours per week
  • Homework: ~2-3 hours per week
  • Total: Plan for 3-5 hours per week for 3 weeks

But remember - you can go at your own pace!

Need Help?¶

Ready to Start?¶

Head over to Week 1 to begin your Python journey!