.. _python-install:

Installing Python
=================

.. admonition:: Note

   Before starting the Python installation, make sure you have finished setting
   up the :ref:`terminal <terminal-setup>` and
   :ref:`Visual Studio Code <vsc-install>` applications on your machine.

Follow the instructions below to install the latest version of Python:

#. :ref:`Windows <python-win-install>`
#. :ref:`Mac <python-mac-install>`
#. :ref:`Chromebook <python-chrome-install>`

.. _python-win-install:

Windows Users
-------------

#. Visit `python.org <https://www.python.org/>`__ and hover over the *Downloads* menu. You
   should see a button to download Python for Windows. Click the button.
#. After the installer finishes downloading, run it.
#. On the first settings panel, check the box for *Add Python to PATH*. Then
   select the *Install Now* option.

   .. figure:: figures/win-python-installer.png
      :alt: First installation panel for Windows. Select the "Add to Path" and "Install Now" options.
      :width: 70%

      The version number you see might be higher that the one shown in the figure.

#. Click through the remaining panels and accept the default choices. Once the
   install is complete, you will be presented with one final settings page. Be
   sure to select *Disable PATH limit length*.

   .. figure:: figures/win-path-limit.png
      :alt: Final installation panel for Windows. Select the "Disable PATH limit length" option.
      :width: 70%

.. _python-mac-install:

Mac Users
---------

#. Visit `python.org <https://www.python.org/>`__ and hover over the *Downloads* menu. You
   should see a button to download Python for Mac OS X. Click the button.
#. After the installer finishes downloading, run it.
#. During the installation, accept all of the default options.

.. _python-chrome-install:

Chromebook Users
----------------

.. admonition:: Warning

   If you use a virtual desktop for your programming course, do NOT install VS
   Code on your device. Use the login information your teacher gave you to
   access the application.

#. Visit the `Miniconda download <https://docs.conda.io/en/latest/miniconda.html#linux-installers>`__
   page and select the Linux installer for the most recent version of Python.

   .. figure:: figures/miniconda-package.png
      :alt: Miniconda webpage with the desired Python package indicated.
      :width: 70%

#. IMPORTANT: Locate the installation package in the *Downloads* folder. Drag
   it into the *Linux files* folder.

   .. figure:: figures/miniconda-file.png
      :alt: Drag and drop the Miniconda file into the 'Linux files' folder.

#. Launch the *Terminal* application, or open a new terminal panel in VS Code.
#. Use the following set of commands to start the installation:

   ::

      $ pwd
      /home/your_username
      $ ls
      Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
      $ sudo bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

   .. admonition:: Note

      The actual Miniconda file name may be different depending on version
      updates.

#. During installation, you will be asked several questions:

   a. View and then accept the license terms (``yes``).
   b. When asked for the installation location, use ``/opt/miniconda3``
      instead of the default.

      ::

         Miniconda 3 will now be installed into this location /root/miniconda3

            - Press ENTER to confirm
            - Press CTRL-C to abort
            - Or specify a different location below
         
         [/root/miniconda3] >>> /opt/miniconda3
   
   c. Finally, enter ``yes`` when asked to initialize Miniconda3.

#. Close and reopen the terminal.
#. To run Python code, you must *activate* Miniconda in the terminal with the
   command ``source /opt/miniconda3/bin/activate``. This will give you access
   to all of the features and modules installed with the language.

   ::

      username:~ $ source /opt/miniconda3/bin/activate.
      (base) username:~ $ python --version
      Python 3.8.3