Next Level Python LiveLessons

This is the code for Next Level Python LiveLessons by Arianne Dee

To get started with this course, please follow these instructions:

1. Download the code
2. Install Python 3.6+
3. Set up your IDE

Set up instructions

3. Download the code

If you're viewing this on GitHub already, stay on this page. Otherwise, go to the GitHub repository: https://github.com/ariannedee/next-level-python-livelessons

If you know git:

Clone the repository.

If you don't know git:

1. Click the green "Code" button on the top-right of the page
2. Click "Download ZIP"
3. Unzip it
4. Move the next-level-python-livelessons-main folder to a convenient location

2. Install Python 3.6 or higher

Go to https://www.python.org/downloads/

Click the yellow button at the top to download the latest version of Python.

On Mac or Linux

Follow the prompts and install using the default settings.

On Windows

The default settings don't add Python to your PATH so your computer doesn't know where to look for it when Python runs (for some inexplicable reason).

If you're just installing Python now

Follow the instructions here: Windows Python installer instructions

If you've already installed Python with the default settings

Follow the instructions here: Add Python to PATH variable in Windows

3. Set-up your IDE

3.1 Choose an IDE

Throughout the course, I use the PyCharm IDE (Community Edition). If you would like to use the same set-up, download it here: https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/. Note that one section goes through using PyCharm and using its keyboard shortcuts.

Install, open, and use the default settings.

Another good option, if you're a more experienced developer, is Visual Studio Code.

3.2 Open up the code in your IDE

Open the top-level folder (next-level-python-livelessons or next-level-python-livelessons-main) in your IDE of choice.

3.3 Make sure it's configured to run the proper Python version

Try running Lesson1/_3a_dictionary_examples.py in your IDE. If it fails to execute properly, you will need to make sure it is running with Python 3.6 (or higher).

PyCharm

On a Mac:

• Go to PyCharm > Preferences

On a PC:

• Go to File > Settings

Once in Settings:

1. Go to Project: next-level-python-livelessons > Project Interpreter
2. Look for your Python version in the Project Interpreter dropdown
3. If it's not there, click gear icon > Add...
4. In the new window, select System Interpreter on the left, and then look for the Python version in the dropdown
5. If it's not there, click the ... button and navigate to your Python location
   • To find where Python is located, look in these directories
   • You may have to search the internet for where Python gets installed by default on your operating system

VS Code

1. On the bottom left toolbar, select the Python version the terminal is using to run your file
2. In the pop-up, select the correct version, or enter the path for the desired Python version to run

FAQs

Can I use Python 2?

No, Python 2 is out of date and any project you're working on should be written in Python 3 by now.

Can I use a different code editor besides PyCharm?

Yes, but it is only recommended if you are already know it and are comfortable navigating to different files and running commands in the command line. Make sure to install the most popular Python plugin(s) for syntax highlighting and code completions that are available for your IDE.

Note that part of the course is configuring PyCharm and using its shortcuts, so that lesson will not help much if you are using a different IDE.

Do you offer private Python help?

Yes, email arianne.dee.studios at gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to set up some remote training.