Recommendations

It’s easiest if everyone uses Visual Studio Code for the Hands-On exercises, but it’s also possible to use Visual Studio or IntelliJ. The Hands-On exercises will be done in Python. Most of you haven’t used Python before, but that’s the plan! Even if you’re not familiar with any programming language at all, you’ll still be able to join in and complete the exercises.

  • Download Visual Studio Code

  • Install GitHub Copilot Extension (License from MFEX or create a trial account)

  • (Optional) Install [Python Extension)[https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python]

  • Dowload Python Note: During installation, ensure you check the option “Add python.exe to PATH.” After installation, run the following command in a terminal to confirm the installation was successful:

    python --version

Setup Visual Studio (if not using Visual Studio Code)

Visual Studio is more complex to set up and manage packages, but if you want to try it:

  • Copilot: Integrated by default; just ensure you have the latest version of Visual Studio installed.
  • Follow the instructions here: Install Python Tools for Visual Studio (PTVS).
  • Note: Visual Studio does not include an up-to-date Python version. You’ll need to download Python separately. Note: During installation, ensure you check the option “Add python.exe to PATH.” After installation, run python –version in a terminal to confirm the installation was successful.
  • You’ll also need to add the new Python installation as a Python environment: Manage Python Environments and Interpreters.

Setup IntelliJ (if not using Visual Studio Code)

Python | IntelliJ IDEA Documentation (have no experience with it so no real support from me 🙂 )