🐍 Python Setup Guide
Create the perfect offline learning environment
⏱️ Setup Time: 20-30 minutes • 🎯 Goal: Distraction-free Python environment
📥 Step 1: Download Anaconda (While Online)
What to Download:
- • Go to anaconda.com/download
- • Choose Windows version
- • Download Individual Edition (free)
- • File size: ~500MB (Anaconda3-2024.xx-Windows-x86_64.exe)
Also Download These References:
- • "Python for Kids" PDF - No Starch Press
- • "Think Python" PDF - Green Tea Press (free)
- • Python documentation - Save docs.python.org pages
⚙️ Step 2: Install Anaconda (Can Be Offline)
Installation Steps:
- 1. Double-click the downloaded .exe file
- 2. Choose "Just Me" (recommended)
- 3. Accept default installation path
- 4. ✅ Check "Add Anaconda to PATH"
- 5. ✅ Check "Register Anaconda as default Python"
- 6. Click Install (takes 10-15 minutes)
📦 What You're Getting:
Anaconda includes everything you need:
- • Python - The programming language
- • Spyder IDE - Where you'll write code (like Microsoft Word for Python)
- • Jupyter Notebook - Alternative coding environment
- • Essential libraries - matplotlib, numpy, pandas, etc.
⚠️ Important:
Make sure to check both PATH options during installation. This prevents the "jupyter not recognized" error.
🚀 Step 3: Launch Spyder (Already Included with Anaconda!)
✨ Good News - No Extra Installation Needed!
Spyder comes automatically with Anaconda! When you installed Anaconda in Step 2, you also got Spyder, Jupyter, and many other tools. No separate download required.
Why Spyder is Perfect for Learning:
- • No server issues - runs as desktop app
- • Simple interface - code on left, results on right
- • Variable explorer - see "mystery numbers" change
- • 100% offline - no internet distractions
- • Built-in help - hover over functions for instant help
How to Launch:
- 1. Search "Anaconda Navigator" in Windows Start Menu
- 2. Launch Anaconda Navigator
- 3. Click "Launch" under Spyder (orange icon)
- 4. Wait 30-60 seconds for first-time startup
✅ Step 4: Test Your Setup
# Test code - copy this into Spyder
print("🐍 Hello! Python is working offline!")
# Test math
mystery_number = 5
result = mystery_number * 2 + 1
print(f"Mystery number {mystery_number} becomes {result}")
# Test graphics
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
y = [1, 4, 9, 16, 25]
plt.plot(x, y, 'ro-')
plt.title("Square Numbers Pattern!")
plt.show()
print("🎉 Everything is working perfectly!")Success Indicators:
- • Text appears in console (bottom right)
- • Variables show in Variable Explorer (top right)
- • Graph appears in Plots pane (bottom right)
- • Disconnect internet and test again!
📁 Step 5: Organize Learning Files
Create This Folder Structure:
C:\Users\[StudentName]\Python_Learning\
├── Lessons\
│ ├── lesson1_mystery_numbers.py
│ ├── lesson2_math_machines.py
│ └── ...
├── Projects\
├── References\
│ ├── python-for-kids.pdf
│ └── python-docs\
└── Practice\Save Your First Lesson:
- 1. In Spyder: File → Save As
- 2. Navigate to Python_Learning\Lessons\
- 3. Save as: lesson1_mystery_numbers.py
- 4. Now you're ready to start learning!
🔧 Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: "jupyter not recognized" in PowerShell
Solution: Use Anaconda Navigator instead of PowerShell
Don't use PowerShell - launch everything through Anaconda Navigator
Problem: Turtle graphics won't work
Solution: Use matplotlib instead (included in lessons)
Our lessons use matplotlib for graphics - works perfectly in Spyder
Problem: Jupyter server issues
Solution: Use Spyder instead
Spyder is simpler and better for young learners anyway
🎯 You're Ready to Start!
What You Have Now:
- • Complete offline Python environment
- • Spyder IDE ready for coding
- • All graphics libraries working
- • No internet distractions
Ready for Learning:
- • 15-20 minute focused sessions
- • Visual feedback with graphs
- • Algebra concepts through coding
- • ADHD-friendly approach