Python environments and packages
Demystifying python environment setup, and tips for frustration-free reproducibility in python workflows

Presented by Talley Lambert
Monday November 14 2022, 1-4pm
In person on the HMS Longwood Campus

A common challenge that scientists face when adopting python (e.g. when transitioning from MATLAB) is navigating the many different ways in which one can install the python interpreter, and source for third party packages.  This workshop will focus on clarifying python environment setup, best-practices for avoiding dependency conflicts, and tips for troubleshooting when things go wrong. Specific topics will be selected based on participant interest and may include:

• Installing python itself: python.org, anaconda vs conda, pyenv
• Creating virtual environments: what they are and why they’re critical
• Installing python packages: pip vs conda/mamba & when you might want to use either.
• Clarifying where packages live on your computer, (sys.path, site-packages)
• Reproducible environments: requirements.txt, environment.yaml, and “lock-files”
• Tips for troubleshooting failed package installations

Participation in the workshop is by acceptance of application.
Apply here by 5pm on Monday October 31. Accepted participants will be notified after the application deadline.