Episode 3: Setting Up Your Python Environment

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Medical Coder’s Path!

In this article, we will set up your Python environment so you are ready to start coding in the next episode, whether you are using a laptop, a smartphone, or just want to code in your browser.

I will provide you with several setup options, including my personal favorite.
You can choose the option that best suits your device, your learning style, and your goals.
This way, you can stick with the setup that works best for you, not just for today, but for all the upcoming episodes.

🟢 Before We Begin

In the last episode, we talked about what Python is and described it as a popular, beginner-friendly programming language known for its clear and easy-to-read syntax. In this lesson, there is another important term you should know: "IDE" or "Integrated Development Environment."

What does it mean? An IDE is a software application that gives you everything you need to write, run, and debug code, all in one place. Think of it like a digital desk for coding. It usually includes a code editor, a terminal/console, and tools for testing and debugging.

There are many types of IDEs, such as VS (Visual Studio) Code, PyCharm, and Anaconda's Jupyter Notebook. In this episode, I will focus on two IDEs: Visual Studio Code and Anaconda's Jupyter Notebook.

Let’s get started!

🧰 Option 1: Anaconda (Easiest for Beginners)

If you want everything pre-installed (Python + Jupyter + Python libraries), Anaconda is a complete all-in-one environment.

🛠 Steps:

1. Download Anaconda from https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution.

   They will ask you to provide an email to download the Distribution. After you provide your it, check your email inbox, as they will send the download link to your email.

   

2. Make Sure to choose Distribution Installers:

   

3. Follow the installer (for Windows or Mac)

4. Open Anaconda Navigator and launch Jupyter Notebook

Anaconda IDE usually comes with

• Python

• Jupyter: allows you to write and run code in small sections, known as "cells."

• Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and many more libraries.

  Don’t worry if you don’t understand what these libraries are right now; we will discuss them more in future episodes.

✅ In this option, you don’t need to install Python and an IDE separately. All are included!

🧰 Option 2: Python + VS Code (My Preferred Setup)

Personally, I prefer downloading Python from python.org and using Visual Studio Code (VS Code) as my code editor “IDE“.

Why? Because VS Code:

• Is lightweight, fast, and clean

• Is used by many professionals and developers

• Prepares you for more advanced coding and projects

🛠 Steps:

1. Go to https://www.python.org and download the latest version of Python

   

2. Important: During installation, check the box that says “Add Python to PATH”

   

After installation, open Command Prompt or Terminal.

🍎 On Mac: How to Open Terminal

1. Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search

2. Type Terminal and hit Enter

3. A white or black window will open with a line like:

Your-Mac:~ yourname$

💻 On Windows: How to Open Command Prompt

1. Click the Start Menu (Windows icon in the bottom-left corner)

2. Type cmd in the search bar

3. Click on Command Prompt (you'll see a black window open)

📌 It will look like this:

3. After opening Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac), type the following and press Enter:

    python --version
   

4. You should see something like Python 3.13.5. This confirms that Python was installed successfully and shows the version you have.

5. After installing Python, download Visual Studio Code from https://code.visualstudio.com

   

6. After setup, open VS Code, go to Extensions, search for Python, and install the one by Microsoft.

   

7. Now, you are ready to create and run your .py files! (We'll talk about this in the next episode.)

✅ If you’re ready to dive deeper into programming with more control, this setup is a great place to start!

🧰 Option 3: Google Colab (No Installation Needed)

Want to start right away in your browser without downloading anything?
Use Google Colab, which runs Python in your browser.

🛠 Steps:

1. Go to colab.research.google.com

2. Sign in with your Google account

3. Click “New Notebook”

4. Start writing Python instantly!

✅ Pros:

• No installation

• Works on any device

• Saves your notebooks directly to Google Drive

📱 Using Your Smartphone?

If you don’t have access to a computer, you can still start learning Python on your Android or iOS device.

📲 Android:

• Download Pydroid 3 from the Google Play Store

• Open the app and start writing Python

• Beginner-friendly and works offline

🍎 iPhone/iPad:

• Download Pyto (free) or Pythonista 3 (paid) from the App Store

• These apps allow you to run and test Python code directly on your iOS device

📅 What’s Coming in Episode 4?

In the next episode, we’ll write your first real Python code together:

• Print your first message

• Try a mini-medical example

• Build confidence, one line at a time

💬 Let me know in the comments which setup you chose and why? I’d love to hear from you!

https://sajamedtech.com/#contact

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