Learning Timeline
Key Insights
Choosing a Python Version for AI
Most open-source AI projects on GitHub use Python versions 3.8 to 3.11. Avoid installing versions 3.12 or 3.13 for now, as they may be unstable or not yet supported by certain AI libraries.
Use Default Git Settings
During the Git installation process, you will encounter many configuration screens. Unless you are an advanced user, it is safer to simply click 'Next' at every step to prevent path configuration errors later on.
Step by Step
How to Check and Install Python 3.11
- Click the Windows search icon, type 'Command Prompt', and press Enter.
- Type the command `python --version` to check if Python is already installed.
- If you see the message 'Python was not found', open your web browser and go to the Downloads section on the official Python website.
- Select the 'Windows' category and scroll down until you find 'Python 3.11' (e.g., Python 3.11.9).
- Download the installer and run the downloaded .exe file.
- Select 'Install Now' using the default settings to start the installation process.
- Once the 'Setup was successful' message appears, close the installer.
- Reopen 'Command Prompt' and type `python --version` again to verify that version 3.11.9 has been successfully installed.
How to Install Git and Git LFS
- Visit the official Git website and download the 'Latest Release' for Windows.
- Run the downloaded Git installer file.
- Click 'Next' at the installation location selection (usually Program Files/Git).
- Continue clicking 'Next' through all subsequent screens without changing any options (use default settings).
- Wait for the installation process to complete.
- Next, download 'Git LFS' (Large File Storage) from the link provided in the documentation.
- Open 'Command Prompt' again.
- Copy and paste the command `git lfs install` into the Command Prompt and press Enter.
- Ensure you see the message 'Git LFS initialized' to confirm a successful installation.
