Installing a Python Distribution

Summary

This chapter determines which Python distribution is used for machine learning. It explains how to perform the required Python setups and downloads. The downloadable source code is there to help readers get a good start with their machine learning and Python learning experience. The chapter provides a brief overview of Anaconda as a product. Anaconda provides a separate uninstall program in the Anaconda executable folder on the system, the location of which can vary. Both Windows and Mac OS X provide graphical installers. The chapter emphasizes Jupyter Notebook when Anaconda provides access to a number of Integrated Development Environments. A notebook differs from a text editor in that it focuses on a technique called literate programming, advanced by Stanford computer scientist Donald Knuth. Anaconda comes with a graphical installation application for Windows, so getting a good install means using a wizard, as readers would for any other installation.