Python Made Simple: Your Guide to Writing Your First Code
How to get started with Python for Trading
“You only need three things to code.” — Unknown
👋Hello, Traders, and happy Sunday.
Today we’re covering exactly what you need to get your first Python code:
How to get Python
Which IDLE to pick (and what the F*** is it?)
Which libraries do you need
Python and trading are like peanut butter and jelly - they just go together! Python is a powerful and versatile programming language that has become increasingly popular in the financial world. With Python, you can automate repetitive tasks, create trading strategies, and analyze massive amounts of data with ease. Plus, with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib, you have access to all the tools you need for data analysis and visualization. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just getting started, Python is the perfect language to help you take your trading to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Get started with Python today and start trading like a pro!
1. Get Python
Here are the step-by-step instructions to install Python on Windows:
Go to the official Python website and download the latest version of Python for Windows.
Once the download is complete, run the installer by double-clicking on the downloaded file.
In the installer window, check the box that says "Add Python X.X to PATH" (replace X.X with the version of Python you are installing).
Choose the installation directory and click on the "Install" button.
Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes.
Once the installation is complete, you can open the Python IDLE by searching for "IDLE" in the Start Menu.
To verify that Python is installed correctly, open the IDLE, type "print('Hello, World!')" and press Enter. If "Hello, World!" is printed on the screen, then Python is installed correctly.
Congratulations, you have now installed Python on your Windows machine!
2. Pick an IDLE
IDLE stands for Integrated Development and Learning Environment. What does it mean? I don’t really know. Concretely, it’s the place where you write your code. In theory, you could even use Word documents to write code, but IDLE, like Sublime, makes things much easier.
If you’re in for the long, I’d suggest you to get started with Visual Studio Code directly.
3. Libraries
Here are the step-by-step instructions to install the Pandas library in Windows using pip:
Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "cmd" in the Run dialog box.
In the Command Prompt, type "pip install pandas" and press Enter.
Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes.
Once the installation is complete, you can verify that the Pandas library is installed by opening the Python IDLE and typing "import pandas" and pressing Enter. If there are no error messages, then Pandas is installed correctly.
Congratulations, you have now installed the Pandas library on your Windows machine using pip!
4. What’s next?
You now have all the tools to start your first code in Python. I’ve added a thread I did on my Twitter to get you started easily.
I know there are a good number of solid programmers in my audience, and it would be great if you could encourage the other part of the audience that is just getting started. In the comments, let them know all the fantastic things we can do with Python.
Thanks for reading, folks!
It would really mean a lot if you could share this article. One of my goals for 2023 is to have 5,000 subscribers on this Substack, and I would be grateful if you could help me grow it.
Until then, stay safe.
- Retail
PS: I had a few people reaching out to me on Twitter asking why they were not receiving my emails anymore.
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This is so well done and kind of you! Many of us “older” traders struggle on where to get started with coding. Thank you
Kaggle is way to get started with Python without having to install anything. Its essentially a hosted version of Jupyter notebooks.