Installing Python Packages

What You'll Learn

• What are Python packages
• How to install packages with pip
• Installing packages you'll use for data analysis

What are Packages?

Think of packages like apps on your phone. Python comes with basic tools, but packages add extra features.

Examples:

• pandas - Work with data tables
• matplotlib - Create charts and graphs
• requests - Get data from websites

Installing Packages with pip

pip is like an app store for Python. It comes automatically when you install Python.

Basic Command

pip install pandas

That's it! Just type this in your terminal/command prompt.

Step by Step

Windows:

1. Press Windows key
2. Type "cmd" and press Enter
3. Type: pip install pandas
4. Press Enter
5. Wait for it to finish

Mac:

1. Press Cmd + Space
2. Type "terminal" and press Enter
3. Type: pip install pandas
4. Press Enter
5. Wait for it to finish

Google Colab: You don't need to install anything! Most packages are already there. If you need one:

!pip install package-name

Notice the ! at the beginning - that's important in Colab!

Essential Packages for Data Analysis

Install these packages to start working with data:

pip install pandas
pip install matplotlib
pip install numpy

Or install all at once:

pip install pandas matplotlib numpy

Using Installed Packages

After installing, you need to import them in your Python code:

import pandas
import matplotlib
import numpy

print("All packages loaded!")

Common Questions

Q: How do I know if a package is installed?

Try importing it:

import pandas

If you get an error, it's not installed.

Q: Do I need to install packages every time?

No! Install once, use forever (until you reinstall Python).

Q: What if I get an error?

Try:

pip3 install pandas

Use pip3 instead of pip on Mac/Linux.

Quick Reference

Install a package:

pip install package-name

Install multiple packages:

pip install pandas numpy matplotlib

Check what's installed:

pip list

Update a package:

pip install --upgrade package-name

What's Next?

Now that you can install packages, let's learn Python basics!