.. _windows-install:


*********************************
Install Python On Windows
*********************************

.. _windows-installing-python:

Installing Python
--------------------

Windows does not come with Python by default and we will be using
Python 2.7 in this class.  In general, any 2.7 version should be
fine. Most in class will have either 2.7.10 or 2.7.11, but an older version should work
fine as well. To install Python (and the necessary modules), follow
the instructions:

* Download the installer: `Windows Installer <_static/windows-installer.exe>`_
* Run the installer (You need an internet connection for the installer to work)
	* This will install Python 2.7.10, add it to your PATH, and install all needed modules.


Use default settings on the installer, which should only take a minute or two.

.. _windows-getting-the-modules:

Getting The Python Modulesq
---------------------------
**If you used the above installer, you have these already and can skip this and go back to get the IDE!** :ref:`getting-the-ide`


One of the wonders of modern programming is that writing sophisticated
programs is often quite easy by making use of work others have already
done.  In Python, this comes in the form of third-party modules that
we will download and import for use by our own programs.  For example,
if you want to open some images to crop and stretch and cut and paste
together, you don't need to write a program that interprets a `.jpg`
file, as someone has already done that, you just have to **import**
their code.  As such, you will now want to install all of the
wonderful modules written and maintained by outside sources that we
will be using.  **These *DO NOT* come on Windows, but we've provided
them inside our Windows Installer**


If you you already have python and don't want to use the above installer (**not 
recommended**, use our installer!), then you can install `pip 
<http://pip.readthedocs.org/en/stable/installing/>`_, and then use the command "pip 
install <module>" for the following modules:

*  Nose
*  Pillow

.. _windows-go-back:

Go Back And Get The IDE And Dropbox
------------------------------------

Now, go back and get everything else you need :ref:`getting-the-ide`