Getting Started with Python, VSCode, and Jupyter Notebook on macOS

Introduction:

Python is a popular programming language known for its simplicity and versatility. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, setting up Python, Visual Studio Code (VSCode), and Jupyter Notebook on your Mac can enhance your coding experience and productivity. This article will walk you through the installation and configuration process to get started quickly.

Prerequisites:

Before we begin, ensure that you have a Mac computer and a stable internet connection. No prior coding experience is required.

Step 1: Install Python:

Python comes pre-installed on macOS, but we recommend installing the latest version to have access to the most recent features and improvements. Follow these steps:

Open a web browser and visit the official Python website (python.org).

Navigate to the Downloads section and click on the "Download Python" button.

On the downloads page, select the latest version of Python suitable for macOS and click on the installer package to download it.

Once the download is complete, open the installer package and follow the on-screen instructions to install Python. Make sure to select the option to add Python to the system PATH during installation.

Alternatively, you can just open your terminal by typing terminal into the search bar. If you have a Mac, python should already be preinstalled.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code (VSCode):

VSCode is a powerful and extensible code editor with excellent support for Python. Here's how you can install it:

Open a web browser and go to the official Visual Studio Code website (code.visualstudio.com).

Click on the "Download for macOS" button to download the VSCode installer.

Once the download is complete, open the installer package and follow the on-screen instructions to install VSCode.

After the installation is complete, launch VSCode from the Applications folder.

Step 3: Set up Jupyter Notebook:

Jupyter Notebook provides an interactive coding environment that combines code, visualizations, and text into a single document. Follow these steps to install and configure Jupyter Notebook:

Open the Terminal application on your Mac (located in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder).

In the Terminal, type the following command and press Enter to install Jupyter Notebook using pip, the Python package manager:

pip install jupyter

Once the installation is complete, type the following command in the Terminal and press Enter to launch Jupyter Notebook:

jupyter notebook

Step 4: Creating a Python Project in VSCode:

Now that you have Python, VSCode, and Jupyter Notebook set up, it's time to create your first Python project. Follow these steps to create a new Python file in VSCode:

Open Visual Studio Code.

Click on the "Explorer" icon on the left sidebar (the one that looks like a file folder).

Click on the "New File" button at the top of the sidebar to create a new file.

Save the file with a ".py" extension, such as "hello_world.py".

Start writing your Python code in the editor window.

Step 5: Using Jupyter Notebook in VSCode:

To leverage the power of Jupyter Notebook within VSCode, you can use the Jupyter extension. Follow these steps to install and use it:

In VSCode, click on the "Extensions" icon on the left sidebar (the one that looks like a square puzzle piece).

In the search bar, type "Jupyter" and press enter.

Step 6: Setting Up Your Development Environment:

To further enhance your coding experience, it's beneficial to set up a comprehensive development environment. This includes configuring tools, extensions, and customizing your editor. For a guide on setting up your development environment, refer to this Medium Article.