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Quickstart

Use this guide to begin the course in about 5 minutes. You do not need to install Python.

Step 1: Launch the Course

Launch Binder

  1. Click the Binder button above.
  2. Wait for the course environment to load.
  3. Keep the browser tab open while Binder starts.

The first load may take a few minutes. That is normal. Binder is preparing Python and the course notebooks for you.

Step 2: Open a Notebook

  1. When Binder opens, look for the file browser.
  2. Open the notebooks/ folder.
  3. Open 00_getting_started.ipynb.
  4. Read the first instructions in the notebook.

Start with the first notebook unless your instructor gives different directions.

Step 3: Run Code

  1. Click the first code cell.
  2. Click the run button.
  3. Wait for output to appear below the cell.
  4. Move to the next cell.
  5. Run cells from top to bottom.

Running cells in order matters because later cells may depend on earlier cells.

Step 4: Complete Activities

  1. Read each instruction before writing code.
  2. Complete TODO sections when you reach them.
  3. Try the task yourself before looking for help.
  4. Make small changes and run the cell again.
  5. Write short reflection answers when the notebook asks for them.

Do not skip practice steps. They are included to help you build confidence before larger tasks.

Step 5: Fix Errors

Errors are normal in programming. If code shows an error:

  1. Read the last line of the error message.
  2. Check the cell that caused the error.
  3. Look for spelling, quotation marks, parentheses, colons, or indentation.
  4. Rerun earlier cells if a variable is missing.
  5. Change one thing at a time.
  6. Run the cell again.

If Binder is slow, your work disappears, or a file is missing, use setup/troubleshooting.md.

Optional Alternatives

Binder is the easiest starting option, but you may also use:

Use Colab if saving work in Google Drive is important. Use Replit only as an optional alternative for short Python practice or if your instructor recommends it.

Key Tips

  • Work through notebooks in order.
  • Run code often.
  • Test small changes.
  • Read the output before moving on.
  • Save or download important work.
  • Ask for help when you can describe what you tried.

You are not expected to know everything before you begin. The course is built to guide you step by step.