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Binder Instructions

Binder is the recommended starting option for this course. It lets you run the course notebooks in a web browser without installing Python or creating an account.

When to Use Binder

Use Binder when:

  1. You want the easiest way to start.
  2. You are using a shared or campus computer.
  3. You do not want to install software.
  4. You are practicing and do not need long-term file storage.

If you need your work to save automatically over time, Google Colab may be a better choice.

How to Launch Binder

  1. Open the course repository on GitHub.
  2. Look for the Binder launch button or Binder link in the repository README.
  3. Click the Binder button or link.
  4. Wait while Binder builds the course environment.
  5. Do not close the page while it is loading.

The first load may take several minutes. This is normal. Binder is preparing Python and the notebook files for you.

Launch Binder

How to Open a Notebook

  1. After Binder opens, find the file browser on the left side of the page.
  2. Open the notebooks/ folder.
  3. Start with 00_getting_started.ipynb unless your instructor tells you to use a different notebook.
  4. Click the notebook name to open it.
  5. Read the first instructions in the notebook before running code.

How to Run Cells

  1. Click the first code cell.
  2. Press the run button, or use the keyboard shortcut shown by the notebook tool.
  3. Wait for the output to appear below the cell.
  4. Run the next cell.
  5. Continue from top to bottom.

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

Saving Your Work

Binder sessions are temporary. This means your work may disappear when:

  1. You close the browser tab.
  2. The session is inactive for too long.
  3. Binder restarts the environment.

If you need to keep your work:

  1. Open the notebook you worked on.
  2. Use the notebook menu to download a copy.
  3. Save the downloaded file somewhere you can find it later.
  4. Upload or submit that file if your instructor asks for it.

Binder Tips

  1. Be patient during the first launch.
  2. Run notebook cells from top to bottom.
  3. Download important work before closing Binder.
  4. If Binder is stuck for a long time, try refreshing once.
  5. If Binder still does not load, switch to Google Colab.