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The best of both worlds

Interactive Python mode is my favorite way to write Python code, and I rarely use anything else. It combines the organization of Python files with the interactivity of Jupyter notebooks.
This is how I’ll be coding throughout the entire course. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so powerful for learning and developing AI applications.

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What is Interactive Python?

Imagine you’re cooking and tasting as you go, rather than waiting until the entire meal is done. That’s Interactive Python:
  • Write code in a .py file (organized and clean)
  • Run pieces of it instantly with Shift + Enter
  • See results immediately in a side panel
  • Keep all your variables in memory

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Why it’s perfect for AI development

When working with AI and data:
  • You’re constantly inspecting data
  • Testing transformations
  • Checking outputs
  • Experimenting with different approaches
Running an entire file every time (like we did with hello.py) would be slow and frustrating. Interactive mode lets you work iteratively.

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Prerequisites

Interactive Python requires the IPython kernel. Let’s install it:
  1. Make sure your virtual environment is activated: 
    # You should see (venv) in your terminal
  2. Install the required package: 
    pip install ipykernel
This package allows Jupyter to run Python code interactively.

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Set up Interactive Python

Now let’s enable the interactive feature:
  1. Open VS Code settings:
    • Press Ctrl/Cmd + , (comma)
    • Or File > Preferences > Settings
  2. Search for “execute selection”
  3. Find this setting: Jupyter > Interactive Window > Text Editor: Execute Selection
  4. Check the box to enable it
What this does: When you press Shift + Enter, your selected code will run in the Jupyter interactive window instead of the Python terminal. This gives you a much richer, more visual experience. That’s it! You’re ready to use interactive mode.

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Your first interactive session

  1. Create a new file called interactive_demo.py
  2. Type this code: 
# Let's explore interactive mode
name = "Python Learner"
print(f"Hello, {name}!")

# Some data to work with
numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(f"Numbers: {numbers}")

# Calculate something
total = sum(numbers)
print(f"Total: {total}")
  1. Place your cursor on the first line
  2. Press Shift + Enter
Watch what happens:
  • An Interactive window opens on the right
  • Your code runs line by line
  • You see output immediately

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Interactive superpowers

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Run selected code

  • Highlight any code
  • Press Shift + Enter
  • Only that selection runs

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Variables stay in memory

Run this step by step: 
# First, create a variable
message = "Hello"

# Later, use it (even in a different cell)
print(message + " World!")

# Modify it
message = message.upper()
print(message)
The variable message stays available throughout your session!

Start learning Python

Your environment is perfect. Let’s dive into Python fundamentals!