Getting Started - COMP 521: Introduction to Scientific Computing and Data Science

This module gets one complete scientific-computing loop working on your own computer: navigate to a project, activate its Python environment, run a notebook, and save the result with Git.

Your first 10-minute success¶

Before installing anything, establish one small success in the terminal. Open the course terminal described in Chapter 1 and run:

pwd
cd ~
mkdir -p comp521_cli_practice/terminal-practice
cd comp521_cli_practice/terminal-practice
pwd

Success means the final command prints a path ending in comp521_cli_practice/terminal-practice. You have not installed software or changed a course repository; you have simply proved that you can navigate a workspace. Chapter 1 explains each command and gives you a longer practice task.

What to read, and when¶

Complete before class Thursday¶

Set aside about two hours for this route. Allow up to three hours if you are installing software from scratch or encounter a network delay. Start early enough to ask for help before you need Python and Jupyter in class.

1. Command line

Learn the small set of terminal commands needed to find and run a project. About 25 minutes.

2. Software setup

Install Miniforge and VS Code, create the comp521 environment, and run a local notebook check. About 45–75 minutes from scratch.

Complete by Friday night¶

3. Git and GitHub

Accept and clone your assigned Project 1 repository, then push the required README setup commit. About 35–50 minutes after setup.

Use while writing Project 1¶

Markdown for analysis notebooks

Use headings, equations, figures, and interpretation to turn a running notebook into a scientific argument.

Scientific software guide

Use the contract, evidence, and debugging sections in P1. The module-and-test structure begins in P2.

Keep beside you from Project 2 onward¶

Scientific software workflow checklist

A phase-aware pre-coding, debugging, and submission checklist. It is a working aid, not a grading rubric.

The Project 1 Repository Check¶

Due Fri Aug 28 at 11:59 pm PT. This completion-only check verifies that you can push to the Project 1 repository you will submit through Canvas. It does not assess Project 1 progress or Python skill.

Use the Project 1 repository assigned through Classroom50, or create/use the individual repository you will link in the Canvas Project 1 assignment.
Clone that repository and change into its directory.
In README.md, change the repository-check box from [ ] to [x].

Stage that README change, inspect it, commit, and push:

git status
git add README.md
git diff --staged
git commit -m "Complete Project 1 repository check"
git push

Open your P1 repository on GitHub and confirm that the commit is visible.

The complete repository-check contract and due date live on the Project 1 brief.

When an error appears¶

An error message is evidence, not a verdict on your ability. Preserve the exact text before trying fixes.

Symptom	First checks
`command not found`	Check spelling, whether the program is installed, and whether this shell can find it.
`ModuleNotFoundError`	Run `conda activate comp521`, then confirm which Python is active.
`No such file or directory`	Run `pwd` and `ls`; verify the path one component at a time.
`git push` fails	Read the exact reason; check `git status`, `git remote -v`, and whether you made a commit. Do not pull or force-push blindly.
A notebook uses the wrong kernel	In VS Code, select the `comp521` kernel, restart, and run the cell again.

If the first checks do not resolve it, ask for help with:

your operating system;
the exact command or action;
the complete error text;
the output of pwd, git status, which python, or python -c "import sys; print(sys.executable)" when relevant; and
what you already tried.

Use the Canvas discussion board when the answer may help the class, Canvas Inbox for a private course matter, or bring the evidence to class or office hours. Follow the AI Use & Growth Mindset Policy if you use an AI tool for tutoring or error interpretation.

Ready means observable¶

Your laptop is ready for Thursday when you can demonstrate all of these:

I can use pwd, ls, and cd to navigate a practice directory.
conda activate comp521 selects the course environment.
VS Code can run a local notebook with the comp521 kernel.

Your repository check is complete Friday when your locally created README commit is visible in the Project 1 repository you will link through Canvas.