2  An Introduction to Setting Up the Required Software for Python Coding

2.1 As a casual reader

If you are just working through this book to get an introduction to Python, you do not need to install any software.

You can use the interactive code examples and exercises as explained in the how to use this book section.

In short, interactive code cells throughout the book allow you to change and run the code samples given.

The Google Colab link buttons then take you to your own personal coding environment for the more involved exercises in the sessions.

2.2 As a member of the HSMA course

If you are working through this book as part of the HSMA programme, it’s highly recommended that you follow the install instructions on this page.

Session 1D of the programme, linked below, then goes through the setup and use of VSCode in greater depth. This will help ensure you are in a good place to continue through the later sections of the HSMA programme, which expect you to be using VSCode and some additional pieces of software such as Anaconda and Quarto.