02 | Python and IDE Setup for Datacooper Beginners

What You Will Learn

After this article, you should be able to confirm uv and Python are both ready and run a minimal Python file.

Prerequisites

• You finished 01 | Datacooper Beginner Path
• Your machine can access the internet

Understand First: uv, Python, and pip

• uv: manages Python versions and tooling with cleaner isolation and faster installs.
• Python: runtime that executes .py files.
• pip install: installs tool packages and dependencies so scripts and AI agents can call them.

Simple mental model: uv manages environment, Python runs code, pip installs capabilities.

Step 1: Install uv (Recommended)

Run the command for your OS:

Windows (PowerShell):

powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex"

macOS / Linux:

curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh

Then verify:

uv --version

Step 2: Install/Manage Python with uv

Use Python 3.11+ with:

uv python install 3.11

If you want python / python3 available by default, run:

uv python install --default 3.11

Then run:

python --version
pip --version

If both return versions, Python is ready.

Step 3: Install IDE and Agent

Use Cursor or VS Code.

• Install IDE
• Install Python extension
• Enable an AI agent (Cursor Agent / Claude / Codex)
• Create hello.py

print("Datacooper setup success")

Run it in the IDE and confirm output.

This single image is enough as proof that uv + Python setup is working and code execution is successful.

Step 4: Understand pip install and Install Tool Packages

pip install makes cwprep and cwtwb callable from your local Python environment. If you skip pip install, you can still use MCP later, but your script-first primary path is incomplete.

pip install -U pip
pip install cwtwb
pip install cwprep

Notes:

• pip install cwtwb: installs cwtwb Python capabilities.
• pip install cwprep: installs cwprep Python capabilities.
• If you later choose a pip-based MCP path (instead of uvx), also install: pip install "cwprep[mcp]".

Validation Checklist

• uv --version works
• python --version works
• pip --version works
• IDE + agent can run hello.py

If You Hit Setup Problems

• Paste the full error into your AI agent and ask for explanation + fix commands.
• Resolve environment issues first, then continue to MCP setup.

Common Issues

• uv not found: reopen terminal after install
• python not found: PATH issue or reinstall via uv
• Install timeout: retry on stable network
• IDE cannot run: verify selected Python interpreter

Next Step

Continue with 03 | MCP Setup and First Connectivity Check.