Setting Up Your Analysis Environment

Explanation

Before starting the Q&A sections, it’s essential to set up your development environment correctly.

With the right tools in place, you’ll be ready to run all code examples smoothly and follow along without interruption.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is designed for:

  • Beginners with some familiarity using a computer and installing software
  • Learners who are new to data science, Python, or R
  • Students or professionals seeking to build a strong foundation in exploring and analyzing data

💡 You do not need to be an expert programmer.
We walk through each step clearly, using side-by-side solutions in Python and R to help you build skills gradually and confidently.

Install Python

  1. Visit the official Python Downloads Page.
  2. Download and install the latest stable version of Python (3.9+ recommended).
  3. During installation, be sure to check the box to add Python to your PATH.

Install R

  1. Go to the CRAN R Project website.
  2. Download the latest version of R for your operating system.
  3. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Install RStudio

RStudio is a powerful IDE for R programming. Download the free desktop version from:

🔗 https://posit.co/download/rstudio-desktop

Install it after R is installed.

Install Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

VSCode is a free, lightweight, and versatile code editor that supports both Python and R.

  1. Download VSCode from the official site.
  2. After installation, open VSCode and install the required extensions.

Installing Extensions in VSCode

🔹 Python Extension

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + X (Mac) to open the Extensions Marketplace.
  • Search for Python (by Microsoft) and click Install.

This extension enables: - IntelliSense (code completion, suggestions, error checking) - Debugging support - Jupyter Notebook integration - Code formatting and linting

🔹 R Extension

  • In the Extensions Marketplace, search for R and click Install.

This extension enables: - R function and dataset auto-completion - Integrated R terminal - Script execution and console output

💡 What is IntelliSense?
IntelliSense is a real-time coding assistant that helps you write better code with: - Autocomplete suggestions
- Function parameter hints
- Real-time syntax and error checking

Verify Installation

After installing the tools and extensions:

  • Open VSCode and ensure all extensions are active.
  • Open a .py or .R file and check for syntax highlighting.
  • For R support, make sure R is installed so the R extension can detect it.