In this chapter of the course, you will get your computer ready for Flask development.
This lesson discusses using Flask on different operating systems, and the standards we'll be using for this course.
In the upcoming lessons, you'll walk through setting up:
- Python: Make sure you have Python 3.6+ installed
- Code Editor: Install and set up VS Code or the IDE you'll be using throughout this course
- Virtual Environment: Create a virtual environment to compartmentalize your development environment
- Flask: Install Flask and get you ready to make your first app in a real development environment
Why Code Locally?
We encourage you to use your own coding environment locally because we've learned from our students that coding along in an online classroom means less learning. Many exercises that are provided solely in an online environment come down to rote typing-out. This can be fine to train your skills, but for starting out it is better to understand why and in what context you are writing your code.
But web-based classrooms take away the hassle of setting up your own programming environment locally!
That's right, and it is another issue with them. If you never set up your coding environment locally, you won't learn to work with the tools you need when developing your own projects.
While the set-up process can sometimes be a bit of a drag, it's worth it to stick through it. Once you are done with it you are ready to build your first Flask project and you have a stable base for all your future Flask projects as well. So let's get to it!
Installing Flask on Different Operating Systems
The operating system you will see in use throughout this course is Ubuntu, based on Linux. Ubuntu is a UNIX-based system, just like all Linux distributions. Mac OS is also UNIX-based.
Info: It is common to develop and run web applications on UNIX-based systems. This is why you will find many online tutorials focusing on UNIX command-line instructions and tools. To work through this course you should use a UNIX-based operating system.
Unix Based Operating Systems
- Ubuntu: You should be able to follow along 1:1 with the tutorials in this course
- Other Linux Distribution or Mac OS: Most of the tutorials should be directly applicable. There might be some small differences that the course will attempt to point out where they occur.
Info: If you are on Mac OS or Linux, you can move on to the next page. If you are on Windows, please make sure you install the Windows Subsystem for Linux or Git Bash on your computer, and use it throughout this course. Below are some helpful links for setting up WSL.
Windows Operating Systems & WSL
If you are using Windows, it's you should install and work with WSL, the Windows Subsystem for Linux. This will natively install Linux on your computer and allow you to work on a UNIX system, alongside your Windows OS.
Using WSL is the recommended way of setting your Windows machine up for web development with Python and will save you more than one headache down the road.
Follow this tutorial provided by Microsoft to install WSL for Python for web development on Windows. For more support and questions, ask us on Discord!
Git Bash
Alternatively, you can also use Git Bash, which emulates a UNIX-based console. When you install Git on your machine from the gitforwindows site, it comes packaged with a Git Bash shell, which should be sufficient for development.
After you have confirmed that you have a working UNIX-based operating system for your Flask development, you can move on to the next page.
Summary: Python Flask Framework OS requirements
- This course utilizes a Unix-based operating system
- If you are using Linux or Mac Os, you can move on to the next page
- If you are using Windows, install Windows Subsystem for Linux before continuing