Getting started with Python and Scipy

Installing Python and SciPy

The following are the most convenient ways to install these requirements.

Installing Python and SciPy on just about everything

  1. Download the Anaconda Python Distribution for your platform.
  2. Follow the installation instructions.

Installing Python and SciPy on 32-bit Mac OS X

If you have a very old Mac, you may have a 32-bit operating system. If you have Mac OS X 10.6 or greater, then it’s likely that you have a 64-bit operating system. If you have Mac OS X 10.7 or greater then you definitely have a 64-bit operating system. If for some reason you don’t, I’d highly recommend that you get access to a 64-bit operating system and use the above instructions. If you’re still determined, here are some (untested) instructions:

  1. Go to the download page for Python 2.7.9 for Mac OS X. Download the Mac OS X 32-bit i386/PPC installer. Run the installer.
  2. Find the appropriate download of Numpy and Scipy and install it.
  3. Find the appropriate download of matplotlib and install it.

Running a script

  1. Open “Spyder”, the Python editor that is bundled with the Anaconda Distribution. (Or open “IDLE”, the default editor, if you installed Python via other means.)
  2. Click File -> Open and select the script.
  3. Press F5 to run the script.

Learning Python

If you’re interested in learning some Python, have a look at An Informal Introduction to Python in the official Python tutorial.