# Episode 3: Setting Up Your Python Environment Welcome to **Episode 3** of *The Medical Coder’s Path*! In this article, we will set up your Python environment so you are ready to start coding in the next episode, whether you are using a **laptop**, a **smartphone**, or just want to code in your **browser**. I will provide you with **several setup options**, including **my personal favorite**. You can choose the option that best suits **your device, your learning style, and your goals**. This way, you can stick with the setup that works best for you, not just for today, but for all the upcoming episodes. ### 🟢 Before We Begin In the last episode, we talked about what Python is and described it as a popular, beginner-friendly programming language known for its **clear and easy-to-read syntax**. In this lesson, there is another **important term** you should know: *"IDE"* or *"Integrated Development Environment."* **What does it mean?** An IDE is a software application that gives you everything you need to write, run, and debug code, all in one place. Think of it like a **digital desk for coding.** It usually includes a code editor, a terminal/console, and tools for testing and debugging. There are many types of IDEs, such as **VS** **(Visual Studio) Code**, **PyCharm**, and **Anaconda's Jupyter Notebook**. In this episode, I will focus on two IDEs: **Visual Studio Code** and **Anaconda's Jupyter Notebook**. 📌 **Note: If you are using your smartphone, skip Anaconda and Visual Studio Code because these options only work on computers. Check out Option 4 instead.** Let’s get started! --- ## 🧰 Option 1: Anaconda (Easiest for Beginners) If you want everything pre-installed (Python + Jupyter + Python libraries), **Anaconda** is a complete all-in-one environment. #### 🛠 Steps: 1. Download Anaconda from [https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution](https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution). They will ask you to provide an email to download the Distribution. After you provide your it, check your email inbox, as they will send the download link to your email. ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1752642766347/c2830900-cf97-42d8-b1fa-c1bee8893a75.png align="center") 2. Make Sure to choose Distribution Installers: ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1752642176850/6f0f4ba3-1bc5-4cb0-81bc-b807a211f1bf.png align="center") 3. Follow the installer (for Windows or Mac) 4. Open Anaconda Navigator and launch **Jupyter Notebook** ### **Anaconda IDE usually comes with** * Python * Jupyter: allows you to write and run code **in small sections, known as "cells."** * Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and many more libraries. Don’t worry if you don’t understand what these libraries are right now; we will discuss them more in future episodes. ✅ In this option, *you don’t need to install Python and an IDE separately*. **All are included!** --- ## 🧰 Option 2: Python + VS Code (My Preferred Setup) Personally, I prefer downloading **Python from** [**python.org**](http://python.org) and using **Visual Studio Code (VS Code)** as my code editor “IDE“. Why? Because VS Code: * Is **lightweight**, fast, and clean * Is used by **many professionals and developers** * Prepares you for more **advanced coding and projects** #### 🛠 Steps: 1. Go to [https://www.python.org](https://www.python.org) and download the latest version of Python ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1752601094420/5935a59f-2b99-48a6-916d-66ae5c91c836.png align="center") 2. **Important:** During installation, check the box that says “Add Python to PATH” ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1752608981087/f940de7b-1d9f-4f37-bdd1-5efa35bdf5ca.png align="center") After installation, **open Command Prompt or Terminal.**
🖥️ What is the Command Prompt or Terminal?
After installing Python, you need to check if it was installed successfully by typing a simple command. To do this, use the Command Prompt (on Windows) or the Terminal (on Mac). Imagine it as a black-and-white window where you can type easy commands to chat directly with your computer.
### 🍎 On **Mac**: How to Open Terminal 1. Press **Command + Spacebar** to open **Spotlight Search** 2. Type **Terminal** and hit **Enter** 3. A white or black window will open with a line like: ```ruby Your-Mac:~ yourname$ ``` ### 💻 On **Windows**: How to Open Command Prompt 1. Click the **Start Menu** (Windows icon in the bottom-left corner) 2. Type **cmd** in the search bar 3. Click on **Command Prompt** (you'll see a black window open) 📌 It will look like this: ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1752607514497/45e4f387-13c2-4bc8-b653-740a39f511c0.png align="center") 3. After opening Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac), type the following and press **Enter**: ```python python --version ``` 4. You should see something like `Python 3.13.5`. This confirms that Python was installed successfully and shows the version you have. 5. After installing Python, download **Visual Studio Code** from [https://code.visualstudio.com](https://code.visualstudio.com) ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1752603379348/47734258-2add-403c-81f9-0aae21e9df62.png align="center") 6. After setup, open VS Code, go to **Extensions**, search for `Python`, and install the one by Microsoft. ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1752606288983/a46ea1e9-10d6-40e1-a82b-bcc654a357f1.png align="center") 7. Now, you are ready to create and run your `.py` files! (We'll talk about this in the next episode.) ✅ If you’re ready to dive deeper into programming with more control, this setup is a great place to start! --- ## 🧰 Option 3: Google Colab (No Installation Needed) Want to start right away in your browser without downloading anything? Use **Google Colab**, which runs Python in your browser. #### 🛠 Steps: 1. Go to [colab.research.google.com](http://colab.research.google.com) 2. Sign in with your Google account 3. Click “New Notebook” 4. Start writing Python instantly! ✅ Pros: * No installation * Works on any device * Saves your notebooks directly to Google Drive --- ## 📱 Option 4: Using Your Smartphone? If you don’t have access to a computer, you can still start learning Python on your **Android** or **iOS** device. ### 📲 Android: * Download **Pydroid 3** from the Google Play Store * Open the app and start writing Python * Beginner-friendly and works offline ### 🍎 iPhone/iPad: * Download **Pyto** (free) or **Pythonista 3** (paid) from the App Store * These apps allow you to run and test Python code directly on your iOS device --- ## 📅 What’s Coming in Episode 4? In the next episode, we’ll write your **first real Python code** together: * Print your first message * Try a mini-medical example * Build confidence, one line at a time 💬 Let me know in the comments which setup you chose and why? I’d love to hear from you! [**https://sajamedtech.com/#contact**](https://sajamedtech.com/#contact) And don’t forget to **subscribe to the series** on Hashnode to get notified the moment the next episode goes live.