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Getting set up for CSCI 161
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Colab
=====

There are a few ways to get setup to start programming in Python. By far the **easiest** and **recommended** way for
CSCI 161 is to use `Google Colab <https://colab.research.google.com/notebooks/welcome.ipynb>`_.

There are a number of reasons this is the best choice for us, including being simple to setup (I'm betting everyone
already has a Google account). Further, it automatically backs everything up for you with Google Drive. Another big
reason is this style of programming, called *notebook*, is quite nice for note-taking.

If you do not have a Google account, then it is easy to make one. If you are uncomfortable making a Google account, then
no worries, either use the options below or make a Google account just for Colab.

.. warning::

    We must turn off the generative AI feature within Google Colab to help ensure your success. The use of the
    generative AI feature within Colab will be a problem for this course for two major reasons. The first is that it
    tries to help programmers write the code that you are to learn in this course, thereby eliminating your ability to
    learn the content. The second reason is that it is often incorrect, which is a nightmare for new programmers.

    To turn this feature off, select "Tools" on the top menu, then select "Settings".

    .. image:: tools_settings.png

    Within the settings window, select the "AI Assistance" option on the left, then uncheck "Consented to use generative
    AI features" and check "Hide generative AI features".

    .. image:: ai_options_settings.png



Interpreter on Your Computer
============================

Colab is awesome, however it does have one major downside --- you **must** be connected to the internet for it to work.
Although we'll still primarily use Colab, it is recommended to also install Python on your computer. You'll pickup how
to use both Colab and your local interpreter throughout the course.

To download Python onto your computer, visit the `Python download page <https://www.python.org/downloads/>`_, download
it, and install. If you go this route, you will also want an *Integrated Development Environment*, which is discussed
below.


Integrated Development Environment
==================================

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a special program that can make it easier to write code. However, I do
not recommend using one at the start of the course as it can be overwhelming. Although IDEs do absolutely make a
programmers life easier, at this stage of learning it will likely impede your learning.

A popular IDE many use is called *PyCharm*. You can obtain the community or education edition for free from *JetBrains*.
`Visit their download website to obtain the software <https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/>`_.

Note, I will not be providing IT support for IDEs (or really any IT support in general). 

.. image:: pyCharm.png