Here are several ways to access Python.

Install Anaconda Python 3.12.x on your own computer

Installing Python can be more complicated than using it. You aren't expected to understand all the steps in our instructions, which are admittedly but unavoidably lengthy, but you do need to follow them to the letter. The process usually takes 15-20 minutes.
We'll help you with problems, which are annoying, not infrequent, and have nothing to do with how well you can learn to program.

Access a physical computer in a Cornell Lab

CS1110-approved versions of Python and Pulsar are installed on the computers in the following labs: Phillips 318, Carpenter Library 104 (the ACCEL "Blue Room"), Upson 225. Here is the public availability schedule for Spring 2025.

On these computers, user files are automatically removed after a short period of time, so make sure you upload or download your files somewhere to retain access, for example, on a USB drive or Google Drive.

To sign out of a lab computer, click on the "four blue windowpanes" in the bottom bar to get a window that has your name on it. Click on your name to reveal the "Sign out" button.

Remotely access a Cornell computer

Here are instructions for remotely accessing Cornell computers that have the correct Python installed . User files are automatically removed after a short period of time, so make sure you upload or download your files somewhere to retain access. Users can also be timed out.

Web-based python interpreters and shells

The python versions employed by the following may not match the official version required by CS1110, but are useful for "quick and dirty" access.

Python.org online Python shell : just start typing, in your browser, in the black "box", representing a shell.
Online Python Tutor and "CS1110" version of Python Tutor
Create a Python Anywhere account. Log in, click on "Consoles" (between "Dashboard" and "Files", and under "Start a new console", click on the link for an appropriate Python version.

Loaner laptops

Mann Library loaner laptops, up to two weeks
Olin & Uris loaner laptops (no temporary storage), three hours, overnight, or extended loan (two weeks).
Students affiliated with an OADI program: there is a stop-gap two-week laptop loaner program
The campus store offers Apple laptop rental