Tutorial 0 -- Computing Environment Setup

1. Install Python 2.7.x and required packages

The current python version is 2.7.5. Note that python 3.x.x has a different syntax, and we do not support or recommend using it.

In this class, we will mainly need python packages networkx, it dependends on a number of other scientific computing packages: numpy, matplotlib, and others.

If you know python, or are comfortable enough with shell commands:
- Download and install the official python distributions appropriate for your platform;
- Download and install setup tools according to the instructions here. Type “which easy_install” in your shell and it should point you to where it was installed.
- Install pip by typing the following into a commandline window “easy_install pip” or “sudo easy_install pip”. Again “which pip” should point you to where it is.
- Install NetworkX. The easiest is “pip install networkx”, or following instructions from the NetworkX website.

If you’re using Windows
- Download Pythonxy from one of the following links. Pythonxy is a python package integrated with many scientific packages including the ones needed in this course. If you already install python on your machine, it is recommended you first unstall your python version and reinstall Pythonxy. Note that this package is over 560MB, and may take a while. http://ftp.ntua.gr/pub/devel/pythonxy/Python(x,y)-2.7.5.0.exe http://pythonxy.connectmv.com/Python(x,y)-2.7.5.0.exe http://www.mirrorservice.org/sites/pythonxy.com/Python(x,y)-2.7.5.0.exe
If you’re using Linux or Mac:
- Either follow the command-line instructions above, OR: use the integrated package Enthought for Python and most of the related libraries needed in the course. To get Enthought, please go to the following link to create an account and get a free version of Enthought for academic purpose. https://www.enthought.com/products/canopy/academic/

Test your installations:

Type “python” to enter python environment, and then type the following.

import networtx as nx

iPython:

We recommend ipython, an enhanced interactive python shell.

Python(x,y) and Enthought Python Distribution comes with iPython. Separate installation instructions is available here ipython.org.

IDE – Integrated development environment

For those who would like to use an IDE for python development, we recommended Eclipse with PyDev plugin. Eclipse can be downloaded from here:

http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/

After downloading, you might want to configure Eclipse for Python, which can be done by following instructions below:

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/class/csse/resources/Eclipse/eclipse-python-configuration.htm

2. Install Gephi, a graph visualization platform

Please download and follow instructions from https://gephi.org/

Optionally, follow Gephi’s [Quick Start Guide][https://gephi.org/users/quick-start/] – we’ll also cover Gephi usage in class.