Flocode Python Starter Kit

A pragmatic starter kit for professional engineers and motivated beginners building computational tools on Windows.

This repository gives you a durable, repeatable Python environment. It installs and validates the core tooling you need before you write a single line of code.

What the setup script covers

Tool	Why it matters	Learn more
Visual Studio Code	Friendly editor with debugging, linting, and notebook support.	https://code.visualstudio.com
Python (via Microsoft Store)	The runtime for all of your scripts and automations.	https://www.python.org/downloads
Git	Tracks file history and lets you collaborate safely.	https://git-scm.com
pip	Python's package installer for grabbing libraries.	https://pip.pypa.io
uv	Fast package/dependency manager from Astral.	https://docs.astral.sh/uv
Cookiecutter (optional)	Project templating tool that jump-starts new repos.	https://cookiecutter.readthedocs.io
VS Code Python & Jupyter extensions	Adds Python language smarts and notebook UX to VS Code.	https://marketplace.visualstudio.com

Before you run flocode_python_setup.bat

• Use an elevated PowerShell or right-click Run as administrator so installers can make system changes.
• Expect to re-run the script after winget/Store installs finish. Two or three passes are normal on a fresh machine.
• If Windows asks for a reboot, restart, reopen an elevated terminal, and run the script again until everything passes.

Run the setup script

1. Download or clone this repository.
2. Right-click flocode_python_setup.bat -> Run as administrator.
3. Follow the prompts. You will be asked for your Git name/email, and whether to install Cookiecutter.
4. When the script finishes, re-run it (still elevated) until you see no warnings.

Once the script completes cleanly you have a ready-to-use Python workspace.

About Cookiecutter

Cookiecutter helps you spin up consistent project scaffolding. The setup script offers to install it via pip --user. Choose Yes to install it automatically, or No to skip for now. You can always run pip install --user cookiecutter later.

Confirm uv is ready

The script installs uv with pip --user, which drops the executable into %USERPROFILE%\.local\bin. If the command is missing after installation, the script now tries to add that folder to your user PATH. Open a new PowerShell window and run:

uv --version

• If it prints a version, you are set.
• If PowerShell still cannot find uv, add %USERPROFILE%\.local\bin manually:
  • PowerShell:

    $localBin = "$env:USERPROFILE\.local\bin"
    if (-not ($env:PATH -split ';' | Where-Object { $_ -eq $localBin })) {
        [Environment]::SetEnvironmentVariable('PATH', $env:PATH.TrimEnd(';') + ';' + $localBin, 'User')
    }

  • GUI: Settings -> System -> About -> Advanced system settings -> Environment Variables -> edit the User Path.
  • Open a fresh terminal afterwards and retry uv --version.

Troubleshooting

• winget not found: Install the App Installer from the Microsoft Store, then rerun the script.
• Installs keep failing: Re-run the script between each installer, and reboot if prompted. winget jobs often need a second pass to finish registration.
• uv still missing after PATH update: Verify %USERPROFILE%\.local\bin exists. If it does, manually add it to PATH (see above) and restart PowerShell.
• setx PATH conflicts / corporate policies: Some managed devices block PATH edits. Ask your IT administrator or use a per-project virtual environment where you call uv via its full path.
• Git config typo: Run git config --global user.name "Your Name" or git config --global user.email "[email protected]" to fix mistakes.

Learn more

• Python: https://docs.python.org/3/
• Git: https://git-scm.com/doc
• VS Code Python docs: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/python-tutorial
• uv guide: https://docs.astral.sh/uv/guides/
• Cookiecutter tutorial: https://cookiecutter.readthedocs.io/en/stable/first_steps.html

Keep leveling up

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