C1. Python Basics

C1.1. Prerequisite

1. Install Miniconda on Windows 11.

   AI: Miniconda = Base Python + Conda (Package/Environment Manager). Miniconda is a minimal distribution of Python, featuring the Conda package/environment manager and a base Python interpreter, designed for creating lightweight virtual environments and installing scientific computing libraries on demand.

   • According to miniconda doc , run cmd.exe, and type in:

     curl https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Windows-x86_64.exe -o miniconda.exe
     start /wait "" miniconda.exe /S
     del miniconda.exe

2. Download and install Visual Studio Code  before class. VS code is a popular editor for programmers.

   • You need to install extension for Python
   • We can then take advantage of its super-cool jupyter notebook compatibility.
     • Option 1: to activate a regular jupyter notebook, press ctrl+shift+p, type create: new jupyter notebook.
     • Option 2: use the magic command #%% in your regular .py file.
       • ctrl+enter to execute and stay at current block.
       • shift+enter to execute and move to next block.

3. Prepare for the class

   • Save the following snippet as a local file named “cs290v.yaml” in your PC

     name: cs290v
     channels:
     - conda-forge
     - defaults
     dependencies:
     - python=3.11
     - numpy
     - pinocchio=3.1.0
     - meshcat-python
     - example-robot-data
     - jupyterlab
     - ipywidgets
     - matplotlib
     - scipy
     - qpsolvers
     - tqdm
     - imageio
     - rich
     - stable-baselines3
     - pip
     - cyipopt
     - mujoco

   • Create virtual environment by typing the following command in the correct directory:

     conda env create -f cs290v.yaml
     conda activate cs290v
     python -m mujoco.viewer

   • mjctrl 

     git clone git@github.com:kevinzakka/mjctrl.git
     cd mjctrl
     

C1.2. My Python Tutorials

Donwload jupyter notebook .ipynb file here. .

Or check out “learn Python in one video” by Derek Banas (N4mEzFDjqtA) (need access to Youtube)

C1.?. Quiz