Getting started - Build your data science lab environment

This guide explains how to set up a complete data science environment for the udemy program. A proper setup ensures compatibility and avoids recurring environment issues. 

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1. Overview

• Goal: Create a full-featured environment with sufficient resources for all course exercises.

• Recommendation: Use Anaconda for the most reliable setup.

• Alternative: Use a Python virtual environment with pip if Anaconda isn’t working.

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2. Setup Options

Primary (Recommended)

• Create a dedicated Anaconda environment (isolated, compatible).

Alternative

• Use a standard Python virtualenv + pip (faster but less reliable).

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3. Windows Setup Steps

Clone Course Repository

git clone https://github.com/ed-donner/llm_engineering/

Follow the repository’s README.md instructions for additional setup details.

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Create Anaconda Environment

Inside the llm_engineering folder:

conda env create -f environment.yml

⏳ This may take several minutes.

Activate the environment:

conda activate llms

Deactivate when finished:

conda deactivate

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Fix Activation Issues

If you see:

Run 'conda init' before 'conda activate'

Initialize Conda for PowerShell (one-time):

conda init powershell

Close and reopen PowerShell.

Allow Script Execution (Windows only):

Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

Press Y to confirm.

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Optional Immediate Fix (No Restart)

& "C:\Users\<YourUsername>\anaconda3\shell\condabin\conda-hook.ps1"
conda activate llms

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4. Configure PowerShell Profile

Edit this file:

C:\Users\<YourUsername>\OneDrive\Documents\WindowsPowerShell\profile.ps1

Replace contents with:

#region conda initialize
# !! Contents within this block are managed by 'conda init' !!
If (Test-Path "C:\Users\<YourUsername>\anaconda3\Scripts\conda.exe") {
    (& "C:\Users\<YourUsername>\anaconda3\Scripts\conda.exe" "shell.powershell" "hook") | Out-String | ?{$_} | Invoke-Expression
}
#endregion

Save and restart PowerShell.

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5. Set Up API Keys

Create OpenAI API Key

1. Visit OpenAI API Keys.

2. Generate a new key and copy it (starts with sk-...).

3. You won’t see it again, so store it securely.

Create .env File

In your project root directory, create a file named .env:

OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-your-key-here

Make sure the file is named exactly .env (not .env.txt).

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6. Launch JupyterLab

Activate your environment:

conda activate llms
jupyter lab

JupyterLab will open in your browser.

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7. Resources

• Course Repository