How do I install and set up software for my course?

Setting up new tools can feel a little intimidating, but don't worry, we’ve got your back! This article gives you easy, step-by-step help for installing course software like VS Code and MySQL. Plus, we cover quick fixes for common hiccups so you can start writing code with total confidence. 

My code output looks different to the output in the course videos.
I've forgotten my MySQL password.
Is my MySQL installed correctly?
I'm having trouble downloading the MySQL installer.
Why am I getting a ‘caution’ message for CodeRunner?
Why isn’t my Python code running?
 I’m getting a message that says ‘Python was not found’
My Python command isn’t recognised
I’m having connection issues between DBeaver & MySQL

My code output looks different to the output in the course videos

It is completely normal to notice small visual differences between your code output and what appears in the instructional videos. Here’s why:

• Operating System Differences: Our course videos are frequently recorded on macOS. If you are using Windows or Linux, the terminal layout, fonts, and colors will look slightly different.
• Cleaned Video Displays: We deliberately hide or shorten file paths in video tutorials to keep the screen clean and easy to follow.

How to verify your code:

1. Focus on the core logic and final result of your code output rather than exact file path formatting.
2. If the printed results match the lesson output, your code is working correctly!

I've forgotten my MySQL password

If you have forgotten your MySQL root password, the quickest and most reliable fix is to uninstall and reinstall MySQL.

Uninstalling on macOS:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Scroll down and click MySQL.
3. Click Uninstall to remove the server from your system.

Uninstalling on Windows:

1. Open the Start Menu and search for Apps & Features (or Installed Apps).
2. Locate MySQL in the list and click Uninstall.
3. Follow the uninstallation wizard prompts.

How can I check if MySQL is installed and running correctly?

MySQL runs as a background server, so it does not open as a standard application window. You can verify it is running using these methods:

Method 1: Task Manager (Windows)

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Navigate to the Processes or Details tab.
3. Look for mysqld.exe (the MySQL server process).

Method 2: Windows Services

1. Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Look for MySQL, MySQL80, or MySQL90 in the list.
3. If the status displays Running, your installation is successful.

I'm having trouble downloading the MySQL installer

If your MySQL installer fails to launch or gives an error upon opening, the download may be incomplete or corrupted.

1. Visit the official MySQL Downloads Page.
2. Download the installer for your operating system.
3. Check the file size in your Downloads folder — it should be several hundred MB (if it is only a few KB, the download was incomplete).
4. Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as Administrator (on Windows).

I’m getting a ‘caution’ message for CodeRunner – is this a security concern?

No, this is completely normal! When installing the CodeRunner extension in Visual Studio Code, you may see a standard caution message.

CodeRunner requires access permissions to execute code files directly on your machine. As long as you download and install the extension directly from the official VS Code Marketplace, it is completely safe and widely used by developers worldwide.

Why isn’t my Python code running?

If your Python code isn't running or your editor isn't executing the script, it is usually down to how the file was saved. Computers require the correct file extension so they know to treat the file as executable Python code.

Here is how to check and fix your file extension:

1. Always include the .py extension: Every Python script must end in .py. For example, saving a file as module2 won't execute properly—it must be saved as module2.py.
2. Check your file name in VS Code: Look at the tab at the top of your editor window. If it doesn't show .py at the end of your file name, right-click the file in your explorer panel and choose Rename to add .py.
3. Try re-running: Once renamed, attempt to run your code again using the Play button!

What should I do if I see a 'Python was not found' error?

Running into a "Python was not found" error typically means that Python isn't linked correctly to your computer's system environment path.

Follow these steps to ensure Python is configured properly on your machine:

1. Download directly from python.org: Always download Python directly from the official Python website rather than third-party app stores (such as the Microsoft Store).
2. Add Python to PATH during setup: When running the Python installer, make sure to check the box at the bottom that says "Add Python to PATH" before clicking Install Now. This is a crucial step that allows your code editor to find Python.
3. Disable App Execution Aliases (Windows): If you still see the error on Windows:
   • Open your computer settings by going to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases.
   • Toggle off the shortcuts for Python and Python3.

Why does my terminal say my Python command isn't recognised?

Seeing an error stating that a command is "not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program" usually means Python code is being typed directly into the system command line (terminal) instead of inside a script file.

Here is the correct workflow for writing and running your code:

1. Write your code in the main editor: Type your Python code (for example, print("Hello, World!")) into the main editor file window at the top of your screen.
2. Run using the Play button: Execute your script by clicking the Play button (▶) in the top right corner provided by your Python or Code Runner extension.
3. Use the terminal for output: The terminal window at the bottom of the screen is designed to display the results of your code when executed, rather than being the place where you write your Python scripts.

How do I fix connection issues between DBeaver and MySQL?

If you're seeing a "No Active Connection" error in DBeaver, don't worry! DBeaver is the visual editor you use to write queries, while MySQL Community Server is the database engine running in the background. When they aren't fully linked, DBeaver won't be able to run your code.

Work through these simple steps to get your connection up and running:

1. Verify your login credentials:
   • Open DBeaver and check your connection settings.
   • Ensure your username is set to root.
   • Double-check that you are entering the exact root password you created when installing MySQL.
2. Adjust security settings (for 'Public Key Retrieval' errors):
   • If DBeaver displays a "public key retrieval is not allowed" error, right-click your connection in the left sidebar and select Edit Connection.
   • Navigate to the Driver Properties tab.
   • Scroll down to find allowPublicKeyRetrieval, click on its value, and change it from false to true.
   • Click Apply and Close.
3. Build your database workspace:
   • Keep in mind that course databases do not come pre-installed in DBeaver. You will create and populate your databases by writing and running your initial SQL setup commands during Module 2.
4. Refresh your connection view:
   • Once you run a script to create a new database, right-click your database connection in the DBeaver left panel and select Refresh so your new database shows up in the list!