Installation

This guide will walk you through installing the essential tools needed for this Python programming course. You'll need Git for version control, VS Code as your code editor, and Flowgorithm for creating visual flowcharts.

Git

What is Git

Git is a distributed version control system that records every change you make to your code, lets you rewind to any previous state, and supports branching so you can safely experiment without affecting your main work.

Why we use Git (and GitHub) instead of Google Classroom:

• Real-world practice: Professional developers worldwide rely on Git daily. By learning Git here, you acquire skills you'll use in internships, labs, and future jobs.

• Instant, automated feedback: Every push triggers our Continuous Integration checks (tests, style reviews), so you see errors or suggestions immediately rather than waiting for manual grading.

• Complete history & easy rollback: Unlike a one-off upload, Git preserves the full history of your edits. Made a mistake? You can revert to any prior version with a single command.

• Collaboration & peer review: GitHub's pull-request workflow lets you review classmates' code, discuss improvements inline, and learn from each other in a transparent, controlled way.

Installing Git

1. Go to https://git-scm.com/download/win — the download should begin automatically.

2. Double-click the downloaded Git-version-64-bit.exe file and click Next on the welcome screen.

3. Select Destination Location: You can accept the default or choose any locations that you like.

4. Select Components: Leave everything as is.

5. Choosing the default editor used by Git: Choose the default.

6. Adjusting the name of the initial branch in new repositories: Choose the default.

7. Adjusting your PATH environment: Choose Git from the command line and also from 3rd-party software.

NOTE

The PATH environment variable in Windows tells the system where to look for executable programs when you type a command in command prompt. If you ever see this option again, it's almost always a good idea to tick off the box.

8. Choosing the SSH executable: Choose the default.

9. Choosing HTTPS transport backend: Leave Use the OpenSSL library

10. Configuring line endings: Choose Checkout Windows-style, commit Unix-style line endings.

11. Configuring the terminal emulator to use with Git Bash: Choose Use MinTTY.

12. Choose the default behaviour of git pull: Choose the default

13. Choose the credential helper: Choose Git Credential Manager.

14. Configuring extra options: Choose the default.

15. Click Install, it should take a few minutes and you are good to go!

VS Code

What is VS Code

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a free, open-source, cross-platform code editor from Microsoft. It combines a clean, lightweight interface with powerful features that help you write, run, and debug code—all in one place.

Why we use VS Code in this course:

• Built-in Python support (via Microsoft's Python extension) gives you syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion (IntelliSense), and easy access to virtual environments.
• Integrated terminal lets you run Git commands, Python scripts, or any shell commands without leaving the editor.
• Built-in debugger makes it simple to set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through your Python code visually.

Installing VS Code

1. Go to https://code.visualstudio.com/ and click Download for Windows.

2. Double-click the downloaded VSCodeUserSetup-x64-*.exe.

3. Select Additional Tasks: Maintain the defaults, but it is recommended to tick off the Create a desktop icon box.

4. Click Install, then Finish.

Flowgorithm

What is Flowgorithm

Flowgorithm is a free, open-source visual tool for creating, editing, and executing flowcharts as if they were real programs. Instead of writing code in a traditional text-based language, you drag and drop standard flowchart symbols (Start/End, Input/Output, Decision, Loop, etc.) onto a canvas, connect them with arrows, and then press Run to see your algorithm in action.

Installing Flowgorithm

1. Open your browser and go to https://flowgorithm.org

2. Click the Download link in the top menu. Under Windows Installer section, click the Windows 64-bit Installer link and save the installer to your chosen folder.

3. Double click the downloaded .zip folder. No need to unzip the folder first. Inside the folder, click the Flowgorithm Installer.

4. Select Installation Folder: Choose any folder that you'd like.

5. Click Next until you see the licence agreement, agree to the Terms and Conditions and click Install. That's it and you are good to go!