> Source URL: /resources/environment-setup.resource
# Environment Setup

## What It Is

Your coding environment is the software you use to write and run code. In this course, we use **Cursor** — a modern code editor with built-in AI assistance — along with **Python**, the programming language we'll be learning.

## Why We Use It

Professional developers use code editors every day. Cursor gives you:

- A clean space to write code with helpful features like syntax highlighting
- An integrated terminal to run your programs without leaving the app
- AI assistance to help you learn and debug

Think of it like how sports analysts use specialized software to break down game film — you need the right tools to do the job well.

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## How to Set Up

### Step 1: Download and Install Cursor

1. Go to [cursor.com](https://cursor.com)
2. Click the download button for your operating system (Mac or Windows)
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts
4. Launch Cursor when installation is complete

### Step 2: Verify Python Is Available

Cursor works with Python, which should already be available on most computers. Let's verify:

1. Open Cursor
2. Open the terminal using **View > Terminal** (or `Cmd + ~` on Mac, `Ctrl + ~` on Windows/Chromebook)
3. Type `python --version` and press Enter
4. You should see something like `Python 3.11.4` (the exact number may vary)

If you see an error, ask your instructor for help installing Python.

### Step 3: Create Your First File

1. Click **File > New File** (or `Cmd + N` on Mac, `Ctrl + N` on Windows/Chromebook)
2. Save the file immediately with **File > Save As**
3. Name it `achievement.py` — the `.py` extension tells the computer this is a Python file
4. Choose a location you'll remember (like a "Code" folder on your Desktop)

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## Understanding the Cursor Interface

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  File Explorer  │           Editor Pane                 │
│  (your files)   │     (where you write code)            │
│                 │                                       │
│  📁 Code        │   print("Hello, sports fans!")         │
│    📄 achievement.py                                    │
│                 │                                       │
├─────────────────┴───────────────────────────────────────┤
│                    Terminal                             │
│  $ python achievement.py                                │
│  Hello, sports fans!                                    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

- **File Explorer (left):** Shows all your files and folders
- **Editor Pane (center):** Where you write your code
- **Terminal (bottom):** Where you run your code and see output

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## Common Pitfalls

| Problem                  | Solution                                               |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| "Python not found" error | Ask your instructor to help install Python             |
| Can't find your file     | Use File > Open Recent, or check your Downloads folder |
| Terminal won't open      | Try View > Terminal from the menu bar                  |
| File won't save          | Make sure the filename ends in `.py`                   |

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## Quick Reference

| Action          | Menu            | Mac                                   | Windows/Chromebook |
| --------------- | --------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| New file        | File → New File | `Cmd + N`                             | `Ctrl + N`         |
| Save file       | File → Save     | `Cmd + S`                             | `Ctrl + S`         |
| Open terminal   | View → Terminal | `Cmd + ~`                             | `Ctrl + ~`         |
| Run Python file | (in terminal)   | Type `python filename.py` in terminal |


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## Backlinks

The following sources link to this document:

- [Environment Setup](/resources/index.resources.llm.md)