Interactive Data Visualizations in Python: Setup

Getting the Files

Click the link to download the file

data_viz_workshop.zip

The dataset we will be using is taken from the gapminder dataset, just like the Plotting and Programming in Python workshop. We will also be using a special environment, which can be recreated on your machine using Anaconda.

To obtain the dataset and environment, download the file data_viz_workshop.zip. If given the option, choose to Save File in your Desktop folder. If you are not given the option to choose where to save the file, then move this zipped file to your Desktop. Finally, double click the zipped file to unzip it. You should now have a folder called data_viz_workshop. If you open this folder, you will see a file called environment.yml and a folder called Data.

Optional: Create the virtual environment

Creating the environment can be done as a part of setup if learners already have experience in working with virtual environments. This will save time during the workshop itself to focus on other activities.

If your instructor tells you to create the dataviz environment in advance, follow the directions in Episode 2, Create a new environment). Then, you can open Jupyter Lab in the project root directory (e.g. Desktop/data_viz_workshop)

Create a GitHub account (if you don’t already have one)

You can sign up for a GitHub account at github.com/signup

Make sure to choose a general purpose email that you are likely to still have access to in 5 years - that is, not an email tied to a specific workplace, university, or Internet Service Provider.

Make sure to also choose an appropriate username that you are comfortable putting on your resume or sharing with colleagues - some variation of your name is a good idea.

After you have a GitHub account, you should also download GitHub Desktop, so that you can clone, pull, and push without having to use the command line. You can download GitHub Desktop here.

Installing Python Using Anaconda