:orphan:

.. meta::
   :title: Quick Start Jupyter Notebook
   :date: 15-10-2025
   :keywords: vscode, jupyter notebook 
   :show-date: false
   :timeout: never

Quick Start Jupyter Notebook
===================================

Description
-----------------------------------


How to start using Jupyter Notebooks for programming in Python, including installation instructions and basic usage tips. 

Guide
------

**Step 1: Create a Jupyter Notebook**

- Open VSCode.
- Hold :kbd:`Ctrl+Shift+P` (or :kbd:`Cmd+Shift+P` on MacOS) to open the command palette.
- Type "Create: New Jupyter Notebook" and select it.
- A notebook will open in a new tab.

**Step 2: Select Python Kernel**

- In the top right corner of the notebook, click on :guilabel:`Select Kernel`.
- Choose the appropriate Python environment. For first year DTU students, select the environment named `Base(Python {{ python_version_recommended }}.XX)`.
- If you do not see the correct environment follow :doc:`this <common-issues-fall25>` link to troubleshoot.

**Step 3: Write and Run Code Cells**

- If you are already in a notebook from a course, navigate to the top middle and press :guilabel:`Run All`.
- Otherwise click on the first cell and type your Python code.
- To run a cell, press :kbd:`Shift+Enter` or click the :guilabel:`Run` button in the toolbar.

**Step 4: Writing Text**

- The Jupyter notebook has Markdown cells which are used to write text.
- To create a markdown cell hover below an existing cell and click the :guilabel:`Markdown` button.
- To write mathematical equations and so on you can use the Markdown or LaTeX syntax.
- To render the markdown cell, press :kbd:`Shift+Enter` just as a code cell.