Python for Data Science For Dummies

Chapter 3

Setting Up Python for Data Science

In This Chapter

Obtaining an off-the-shelf solution

Creating an Anaconda installation on Linux, Mac OS, and Windows

Getting and installing the datasets and example code

Before you can do too much with Python or use it to solve data science problems, you need a workable installation. In addition, you need access to the datasets and code used for this book. Downloading the sample code and installing it on your system is the best way to get a good learning experience from the book. This chapter helps you get your system set up so that you can easily follow the examples in the remainder of the book.

Using the downloadable source doesn’t prevent you from typing the examples on your own, following them using a debugger, expanding them, or working with the code in all sorts of ways. The downloadable source is there to help you get a good start with your data science and Python learning experience. After you see how the code works when it’s correctly typed and configured, you can try to create the examples on your own. If you make a mistake, ...