APPLIED QUANTS · EPISODE 1 · SETUP NOTES
Version 2026.11.04 | Official installer route | Mac and Windows

Start at https://appliedquants.com/ep01 for the prompt and official links.
A terminal is a window where you type instructions for your computer.

1. INSTALL PYTHON
Go to https://www.python.org/downloads/ and choose the supported release for your computer. These notes cover the current installer route, not the older WinGet/Homebrew draft. Applied Quants does not host installers.
Windows: download and open the official Python install manager. Follow its installation prompts. Open PowerShell from Start; type py --version and press Enter. If the manager asks to install a Python runtime, follow its prompts, then repeat the version check.
Mac: download the official macOS .pkg installer, open it and follow the steps. Follow its certificate setup instructions too. Open Terminal using Spotlight (Command + Space, type Terminal, Return). Type python3 --version and press Return.
Write down the version you actually see. Do not remove system Python. If the command fails, stop and use the official troubleshooting guide linked below.
This setup exercise checks a tiny program; it is not a compatibility certification for every later engineering bundle. Use each bundle's stated Python/dependency versions when it is published.

2. PREPARE ONE PROJECT FOLDER
Create a folder named First Trading Tool in a location you control. Note its full path. Check available storage against your selected app's current requirements. Keep this learning folder separate from trading accounts, credentials and existing software.

3. CHOOSE ONE AI ASSISTANT
ChatGPT desktop / Codex: follow the official quickstart, sign in and select this project folder for the coding task.
Claude desktop: install from the official download page, sign in, open Code and select a local session in this folder. A normal chat alone is not a verified local Python run.
Available features and account plans can change; check the vendor's current requirements. Start with permission prompts enabled. Read the proposed file changes and commands before approving them.

4. RUN THE SETUP-CHECK PROMPT
Copy the full prompt on /ep01. Replace both bracketed fields with your folder path and the Python command that worked. Ask the assistant to run it, then look for the actual output: Applied Quants workspace ready. The exit status should be 0. If it could not execute, resolve that before continuing; a predicted answer is not a run.

Keyboard guide: paste is Command + V on Mac, Ctrl + V on Windows. Press Return/Enter to run a terminal command. In the video, Mac stays on the left and Windows on the right; keycap graphics show each key being pressed, with zoomed-in controls.

OFFICIAL REFERENCES (checked 2026-11-04)
Python: https://www.python.org/downloads/
Windows: https://docs.python.org/3/using/windows.html
Mac: https://docs.python.org/3/using/mac.html
ChatGPT/Codex: https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/quickstart
Claude: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/desktop

Need help or have an improvement? Message Applied Quants at https://appliedquants.com.
Applied Quants retains ownership. Reuse terms are being finalized.