What is necessary to do data analysis using Python ?
====================================================

If you have never programmed before, this will be a bit different from
using application programs such as EXCEL or WORD. You will mostly work
in command mode which means that you will not control what is happening
with menus and the mouse but by using commands and a text
editor. Today there are many packages available for scientific
computation using python.


Numpy, Scipy, Matplotlib, IPython
---------------------------------

These are software packages for scientific computation
`numpy`_ (for multidimensional arrays), `scipy`_ (for numerical
methods and special functions) and 
`matplotlib`_ for visualization using Python. These
packages contain much much more than what you need for Intermediate Lab but
they will be very useful for your later studies. 

The easiest way to
install Python and all the necessary packages including a text editor in one step is to use the free **Anaconda**
python distribution/program `Anaconda <https://www.anaconda.com/distribution/>`_\ .
 
If you have a problem let me know.


Anaconda Installation
----------------------

Currently the python software used is written for Python 3. When you
download `Anaconda <https://www.anaconda.com/distribution/#download-section>`_ you need to make sure to download the correct
version. An example of the (Fall 2020) download page is
shown below. Please download the latest version (3.x)

.. _ne_fig1:

.. figure:: pictures/Anaconda_download_2022.png
   :align: center	   
   :scale: 70%

   Figure 1: Anaconda Download page (2022) with the correct python
   versions (3.9) highlighed.




Software Packages for Modern Lab and later: `LT\/LT_Fit`_
----------------------------------------------------------

Now that you have installed the basic software tools you need the more
experiment-specific software. Install the software according to the 
`download and installation instructions <http://wanda.fiu.edu/boeglinw/LabTools3/install.html>`_.

Example Files
-------------
You can download some data files and examples from:
:download:`example.zip <./example/example.zip>`  

.. include:: include/links.rst