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🟢 Workflow A: Set Up Machine (Once per machine)

Set up a machine for professional Python projects. Do this just once per machine (or periodically to update tools).

WHY?

Professional Python projects depend on several tools working together:

  • GitHub stores projects,
  • Git tracks changes,
  • Python and uv run course code and tools,
  • Visual Studio Code provides the coding workspace, and
  • local folders keep work organized.

Careful setup reduces errors later.

Project problems are easier to solve when the machine, tools, folders, and Git identity have been configured correctly.

For best results, complete each step carefully and ensure everything works as expected before continuing.

⚠️ New to Terminals, Git, or Repositories?

This guide assumes you can open a terminal and run a command. If that is new to you (it often is), start with Applied Computing Foundations, a short prerequisite.

Steps

  1. Create GitHub Account
  2. View File Extensions and Hidden Files and Folders
  3. Install Tools (git, vs code, uv): Linux/WSL OR macOS OR Windows
  4. Configure Git with name and email
  5. Create Repos Folder (for GitHub projects)
  6. Verify

Note: Your Repos folder must be in a non-cloud-synced location. For best results, follow instructions carefully.

Important

  • These setup tasks are critical.
  • Verify each step works before proceeding.

Optional Resources

Google NotebookLMs have been set up to help with:

Those links allow you to access:

  • workflow-specific chatbot
  • slides
  • audio podcast
  • video (below)
  • and more

Recommendation 🔊

Listen to the Workflow A: Set Up Machine 20-minute Audio Overview or watch the video below before you start. It provides good background on WHY we do these things.

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