In this class it will be useful to use a computer to check your calculations.

Python is a common programming language, used everywhere, and useful to learn.
Sage is built in python, but includes many functions for pure and applied math, so is often easier to get started for math applications, but often harder to install.
Either of them you can use by installing on your computer, or use online.

Using Python on your computer

Python is a language. You can put your program in a file, and then run the program using a command prompt or terminal. If you know what this means, you don't need my help with it. But I recommend the numpy package for mathematics.



You can also use Python interactively in your terminal.



If this is scary, you can also find many 'graphical environments' that combine the bits for you. VSCode is a common one.

Another nice one for interative use is the Jupyter Notebook.



You can install this on your computer. If you have Python installed, you can install it easily with pip. Here is a nice tutorial. It will help you install the notebook and introduce you to using it. Several students in the department should know how to install python. If you don't hopefully they can help you.

Using Sage on your computer

You can use it all the same ways. You can download and install it on your computer. Installation is a little difficult on Windows, so it might be easier to use an online version.

Using Sage or Python online

Both Sage and Python can be used online, so you do not have to install it.
There are several places online that you can use Jupyter Notebooks. Some are free, and some are paid. All will allow you to use Python, but few will allow you to use sage. For sage, the main one is Cocalc.com. It is free, but the free version is slow. If you pay $3 per month it is much faster.

For this class, I will try to run a Cocalc server from my office: KNU Cocalc Server . To sign-in you will need a code. Please email me if you want one. Those who are comfortable installing Python or Sage another way though, please do. The more people that use this, the slower it will run.