Matthew Choo

With 20 years in market research across Telco and Media, I’ve decoded consumer behavior, optimized research, and driven data-led strategies. Now, I’m diving into coding, automation, and tech solutions—where data meets efficiency. This blog is my space to share insights, from Python scripts to research optimizations and life hacks. Join me in exploring smarter ways to work and live!

python_basics

1. Accessing the Terminal

What is a Terminal?

A terminal is a command-line interface (CLI) that allows users to interact with their computer using text commands. There are different types of terminals, including:

  • Command Prompt (cmd) - Default CLI for Windows.
  • PowerShell - More powerful than cmd, supports scripting.
  • Git Bash - A Unix-like environment for Windows, often used with Git.
  • Terminal (Mac/Linux) - The default CLI for macOS and Linux systems.

Where to Locate the Terminal on PC?

  • Windows: Press Win + R, type cmd or powershell, and hit Enter.
  • Mac: Press Cmd + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter.
  • Linux: Use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T or search for “Terminal.”

Differences Between Them?

  • Cmd is basic and doesn’t support advanced scripting.
  • PowerShell supports scripting and automation.
  • Git Bash offers Linux-like commands.
  • Mac/Linux Terminal natively supports UNIX commands.

2. Installing Python and Running It in Different Terminals

  • Easy to Learn: Python has a simple syntax that is easy to read and write.
  • Vast Community Support: Large community and extensive documentation.
  • Versatility: Used in web development, data science, AI, and automation.
  • Built-in Libraries: Comes with many built-in functions and modules.

How to Install Python?

  1. Download Python from python.org.
  2. Install it and ensure the “Add Python to PATH” option is checked.

Where is Python Installed?

  • Windows: Typically in C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python
  • Mac/Linux: /usr/local/bin/python3

How to Run Python in Different Terminals?

  • Cmd: python or python3
  • PowerShell: python
  • Git Bash: python3
  • Mac/Linux Terminal: python3

3. Installing Packages Using Pip

What is Pip?

Pip is Python’s package manager that allows installing external libraries.

How to Install a Package?

Run the following command in any terminal:

pip install package_name

Where Are Packages Installed?

  • Global Installation: C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\PythonXX\Lib\site-packages
  • Virtual Environment Installation: Inside the venv/Lib/site-packages directory.
    • If starting from C:\, it would be in C:\path\to\your\project\venv\Lib\site-packages
  • Conda Virtual Environment Installation: Typically under C:\Users\YourUsername\anaconda3\envs\your_env\Lib\site-packages

How to Know If a Package is Installed Globally or in a Virtual Environment?

  • Global Installation Check: Run pip show package_name and check the Location field.
  • Virtual Environment Check: If inside an activated virtual environment, the package will be installed in the venv directory.
  • Conda Installation Check: Run conda list package_name to verify package location.
  • Local Folder Installation Check (Non-Virtual Environment): If a package is installed in the folder where the terminal is opened, check if a Lib or site-packages folder exists within that directory.

How to Check Installed Packages?

pip list

4. Virtual Environments

What is a Virtual Environment?

A virtual environment isolates dependencies for different projects to prevent conflicts.

Why Use It?

  • Some apps require older Python versions.
  • Avoid conflicts between different package versions.

How to Create and Activate a Virtual Environment?

python -m venv myenv
  • Windows (cmd/PowerShell): myenv\Scripts\activate
  • Mac/Linux: source myenv/bin/activate

To deactivate, use:

deactivate

Conda Virtual Environment

Conda is another virtual environment and package management tool, mainly used in data science.

How to Create and Activate a Conda Virtual Environment?

conda create --name myenv python=3.9
conda activate myenv
  • Unlike venv, Conda manages its own environments separately from system Python.
  • Some applications require Conda because they depend on libraries that need special dependency management, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
  • To deactivate, use: 
    conda deactivate
  • Why Some Apps Require Conda Virtual Environment?
    • Some applications use packages that require system-level dependencies managed better by Conda than Pip.
    • Conda environments can include non-Python dependencies (like CUDA for machine learning applications).

5. Potential File Duplication Issue

Many applications require separate storage for LLM models, leading to redundant files:

  • KoboldAI, Text Generation WebUI, Oobabooga, etc. each store models in separate folders.
  • If using multiple tools, check storage usage to avoid excessive duplication.

6. Using AI (ChatGPT) for Debugging Terminal Errors

Common Issue:

Some commands are terminal-specific. Example:

  • ls (Mac/Linux) vs. dir (Windows cmd)

How to Ask AI for Help?

  • Copy the error message and search for it.
  • Use ChatGPT: “I ran this command in PowerShell, but it doesn’t work in cmd. How should I modify it?”

7. Environment Variables

What Are Environment Variables?

Environment variables store system-wide settings that applications and scripts can access.

Why Are They Needed?

  • Helps define system-wide configurations.
  • Ensures scripts can locate required executables and dependencies.

How to Set Up Environment Variables?

  • Windows:
    1. Search Environment Variables in the Start menu.
    2. Under System Variables, add or edit PATH.
  • Mac/Linux:
    • Add variables in ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc: 
      export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"
    • Apply changes with: 
      source ~/.bashrc

Common Variables to Set Up

  • Python PATH (C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\PythonXX)
  • Conda PATH (C:\Users\YourUsername\anaconda3\Scripts)

8. Right-Click Run of Python Script

You can follow this post to add this function to your right click menu context https://mattlifetech.github.io/projects/rightclick-run-python/

Final Thoughts

Mastering these basics will help you get started with Python, LLMs, and automation. Experiment, break things, and keep learning!

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