- Welcome Students!

This session will introduce you to the fundamentals of data science, with a focus on Python. We will cover the Python data science stack, essential tools and platforms, software setup, semester overview, and Python 101.

Session 1: Welcome Students!

This session sets the stage for your data science journey:

  • Python Data Science Stack: Dive into Python’s core data science libraries and frameworks. We’ve got you covered!

  • Ecosystem Deep Dive: Familiarize yourself with essential tools and platforms, such as Github, UCloud, Google Colab, and Jupyter. These will be integral to your studies and projects.

  • Software Setup: We’ll guide you through installing the crucial software. And don’t worry, our Teaching Assistants are here to assist with any challenges.

  • Semester Overview: Get a glimpse of what the upcoming weeks hold for you.

  • Python 101: We’ll ensure everyone is up to speed with Python basics.

Notebooks

Part 4: Cloning and Pushing to GitHub Using VS Code

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to install Visual Studio Code and Git, and how to use them to clone and push to a GitHub repository. The instructions cover both macOS and Windows.

Step 4.1: Install Visual Studio Code

For macOS:

  1. Visit the VS Code official website and download the stable build for macOS.
  2. Open the downloaded .zip file and extract VS Code.
  3. Drag Visual Studio Code.app to the Applications folder, making it available in the Launchpad.

For Windows:

  1. Visit the VS Code official website and download the stable build for Windows.
  2. Run the downloaded .exe file and follow the installation prompts.
  3. Ensure you select “Add to PATH” during installation to enable launching from the command line.

Step 4.2: Install Git

For macOS:

4.2.1. Check if Homebrew is installed:

  • Open Terminal and type the following command:
    brew --version
  • If Homebrew is installed, you will see the version number. If not, proceed with the next step to install Homebrew.

4.2.2. Install Homebrew (if not installed):

  • In Terminal, run the following command to install Homebrew:
    /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

4.2.3. Install Git using Homebrew:

  • After Homebrew is installed, run the following command in Terminal:
    brew install git

4.2.4. Verify the installation:

  • Check if Git is installed correctly by typing:
    git --version
  • You should see the Git version number if the installation was successful.

For Windows:

  1. Download the latest Git for Windows installer from the Git website.
  2. Run the downloaded .exe file and follow the setup instructions.
  3. Make sure to choose the recommended settings, especially for adjusting your PATH environment.

Step 4.3: Configure Git

Open a terminal (macOS) or command prompt/Git Bash (Windows) and set your user name and email address with the following commands:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

Step 4.4: Clone a Repository Using VS Code

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Access the Command Palette by going to the View menu and clicking on Command Palette
  3. Type Git: Clone in the Command Palette and select it.
  4. Enter the URL of the GitHub repository you want to clone and press Enter.
  5. Select the directory where you want to save the repository and click Select Repository Location.
  6. After the repository has been cloned, VS Code will ask if you want to open the cloned repository. Click Open.

Step 4.5: Make Changes and Push to GitHub

  1. Open the folder of the cloned repository in VS Code.
  2. Make your desired changes to the files or add new files.
  3. Commit your changes by entering a commit message in the message box and then clicking the checkmark icon at the top of the Source Control sidebar.
  4. Push your changes to GitHub by clicking the ... button in the Source Control sidebar, selecting Push from the dropdown menu.

Notes

  • Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to push to the repository if it is not owned by you.
  • If you are pushing to GitHub for the first time, you may be prompted to authenticate with your GitHub credentials.

Part 5: How to Use Codespaces on GitHub

Codespaces is a cloud-hosted development environment provided by GitHub, allowing you to code directly within your repository without setting up a local environment.

5.1. Navigate to Your Repository

  • Go to the repository you want to work on.

Repository Overview

5.2. Open the Codespaces Tab

  • Once you’re in your repository, locate the Code dropdown button near the top-right corner.
  • Click on the dropdown to reveal the Codespaces section. If you don’t have any active Codespaces, it will show “No codespaces.”

Codespaces Overview

5.3. Create a New Codespace

  • If no Codespaces are created, click on the Create codespace on main button. This will initiate a new Codespace environment based on the main branch of your repository.

5.4. Start Coding

  • After creating the Codespace, it will launch in a new tab with a fully functional VS Code interface. From here, you can start coding, running, and debugging your project directly in the cloud.