⚙️ Module 0

Get Set Up

🪄 Before you cast your first spell, you need a place to write and run Python. Pick one path below — there is no single “right” wand, only the one that works on your computer.

A novice alchemist assembles a tiny brass computer while a friendly lizard holds the instructions upside down. — Meet Rowan: a firm believer that every setup problem deserves one snack and one restart.

🪄 The concept

Python is the language. An editor (or IDE) is where you type code and press Run. Some tools install on your laptop; others run entirely in a browser — perfect for Chromebooks or locked-down school computers.

You only need one working setup to finish this course. If something fails, switch paths — Mu is often the friendliest first try on Windows and Mac.

🧭 Which path should I pick?

Chromebook / no installs allowed → Browser-based (section below). Skip desktop installs.
Windows or Mac, first time coding → Mu Editor (simple, beginner-friendly).
Want a “real” editor like pros use → VS Code (or another IDE).
Already have Python → Use IDLE (comes with Python) or any editor you like.

🟢 Option A: Mu Editor (great for beginners)

Mu (codewith.mu) is a free, simple Python editor made for learners. Big Run button, clear error messages, less clutter than a full IDE.

Visit codewith.mu and download Mu for your operating system.
Install and open Mu. Choose the Python 3 mode if asked.
Type or paste a program, click Run, and watch the output panel.
Save files with a .py ending (for example hello.py).

✨ Why Mu?

It feels like a beginner spellbook: one window, fewer settings, and it already knows Python. Ideal if VS Code looks like too many buttons on day one.

🐍 Option B: Download Python (and use IDLE)

Official Python includes a built-in editor called IDLE — not fancy, but it works everywhere Python installs.

Go to python.org/downloads and download Python 3 for Windows or Mac.
Windows tip: on the installer, check “Add python.exe to PATH” before you click Install.
After install, open IDLE from your Start menu / Applications. File → New File to write a program; F5 (or Run → Run Module) to run it.
Or open a terminal / command prompt, go to your file’s folder, and run: python3 hello.py (on some Windows installs it is python hello.py).

# Paste this into IDLE (New File), save as hello.py, then Run Module (F5)
print("Welcome to Wizarding Code!")
print("If you see this, Python is working.")

🖥️ Option C: Visual Studio Code (or another IDE)

Visual Studio Code is a free editor used by lots of students and professionals. You still need Python installed (Option B), then VS Code becomes your writing desk.

Install Python 3 first.
Install VS Code.
In VS Code, install the extension named Python (from Microsoft).
Open a folder (for example your wizard_code downloads), create or open a .py file, and run it with the play button or the terminal: python3 filename.py.

Other solid choices if you already like them:

PyCharm Community — full Python IDE (heavier than Mu).
Sublime Text or Geany — lighter editors; still need Python installed to run files.
Thonny — another beginner-focused IDE (similar vibe to Mu).

🌐 Option D: Browser-based (no install — Chromebook friendly)

If you cannot install software (Chromebooks, shared school machines), run Python in the browser. You will copy/paste examples from the lessons instead of downloading folders — that is totally fine for learning.

PythonAnywhere — free beginner account; write and run Python in the cloud. Good for class homework.
Replit — create a Python repl, paste code, hit Run. Works in Chrome on Chromebooks.
Try Jupyter / Google Colab-style notebooks — run cells of code in the browser (great for experiments; a bit different from a single .py file).
Online-Python and similar “online Python compiler” sites — paste, run, done. Handy for quick Try This challenges.

💻 Chromebook tip

You do not need Linux or the Play Store for this course. Open Replit or PythonAnywhere in Chrome, paste the Module 1 starter, and you are coding. Later modules that use Turtle graphics or some APIs may need a desktop install or a tool that supports them — try Mu/VS Code when you can, or ask your instructor which browser tool they prefer for class.

💬 Discussion

Talk these through with a friend, a class, or just your notes app:

Are you on a Chromebook, a personal laptop, or a school computer you cannot install on? Which option fits?
What feels scarier: installing software, or learning a new website? Pick the less scary path so you can start coding today.
If Mu and VS Code both work, which would you rather show a younger sibling — and why?

🧪 Try this

Pick one option above and get a window where you can type Python.

Run this and change the name:

student_name = "Luna"
print(f"Hello, {student_name}! Your wand is ready.")

If it fails, screenshot or copy the error, try a different option (browser vs Mu), and do not panic — setup bugs are normal first-day magic.
When it works, go to Module 1 and run hello.py (download or paste from the lesson).

📁 Course files (once you can run Python)

Downloadable examples live here — open them in Mu, VS Code, IDLE, or upload/paste into a browser IDE:

wizard_code/module-01-intro/hello.py — first program
All module .py files
requirements.txt — only needed later for some API modules (pip install requests)

✅ I'm set up — Module 1 → Course hub

← Lesson map Module 1 →