Python for Finance

Python Basics
There are several reasons why the first method is preferred:
• First, we can use a Python editor called Spyder, which is quite convenient
for writing and editing our Python programs. For example, it has several
windows (panels): one for the console, where we can type our commands
directly; one for the program editor, where we can write and edit our
programs; one for Variable Explorer,where we can view our variables and
their values; and one for help, where we can seek help.
• Second, different colors for codes or comment lines will help us avoid some
obvious typos and mistakes.
• Third, when installing Anaconda, many modules are installed
simultaneously. A module is a set of programs written by experts,
professionals, or any person around a specific topic. It could be viewed as a
toolbox for a specific task. To speed up the process of developing new tools,
a new module usually depends on the functions embedded in other, already
developed modules. This is called module dependency. One disadvantage of
such a module dependency is how to install them at the same time. For more
information about this, see Chapter 2, Introduction to Python Modules.
Installation of Python via Anaconda
We could install Python in several ways. The consequence is that we will have
different environments for writing a Python program and running a Python program.
The following is a simple two-step approach. First, we go to http://continuum.io/
downloads and find an appropriate package; see the following screenshot:
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