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Chapter 1: Preparing for AI Experiments (A Regular PC is Fine)

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AI
Python
book
tech

In this chapter, we will make the minimum preparations to start AI experiments.

We won't do anything difficult.
The AI won't become smart yet.

But by the time this chapter is over,

"Oh, I can run AI myself."

You should be thinking that.

What we will do in this chapter

  • Check the environment needed for experiments
  • Execute the first line in Python
  • Gain the success experience of "it worked"

The goal is very simple.

Success if text is displayed on the screen

Requirements

You don't need anything special.

  • A standard PC

    • Windows / macOS / Linux
    • Something from about 5 years ago is OK

  • Internet connection

  • Keyboard and mouse

  • A little bit of curiosity

※ No GPU required
※ No mathematical knowledge required
※ No AI experience required

  • MYON
    "Do I need an expensive PC?"

  • EDiE
    "Not at all.
    If it were necessary, this book would have failed from the start."

Let's check if Python is available

In AI experiments, we use a language called Python.
The reason is simple:

  • It's easy to write
  • It's easy to read
  • It has rich AI libraries

First, let's check if Python is already installed.

Open the terminal (or command prompt)

Enter the following command.

python --version

Or, depending on your environment, use this:

python3 --version

If a version number (e.g., Python 3.10.x) is displayed, you're good.

  • MYON
    "It's not showing up?"

  • EDiE
    "That's fine.
    In that case, you just need to install it from the official website."

If Python is Not Installed

Please access the following official website:

Click the button labeled "Download Python" and run the installer.

※ During installation, don't forget to check the box for "Add Python to PATH".

Now, the preparation is complete.

First AI Experiment: Hello AI

Finally, it's time for the first line.

Open a text editor (Notepad, VSCode, etc.) and write the following exactly as it is:

print("Hello AI")

Save the file with a name like hello_ai.py.

Once saved, navigate to the location of that file in your terminal and execute the following:

python hello_ai.py

Success Criteria

It's a success if the following text is displayed on the screen:

Hello AI

  • MYON
    "...Is that it?"

  • EDiE
    "Yes.
    But this is a very significant first step."

This isn't AI yet

To be honest:

  • It hasn't learned yet
  • It isn't smart yet
  • It isn't thinking about anything yet

But that's okay.

You have created the "environment to run AI" with your own hands.

This fact is the beginning of everything.

Column: Why this single line is important

Think back to the moment an LED lights up in electronics crafting.

  • Even if you don't understand the theory
  • Even if you can't do the calculations

The moment it lights up, the world changes.

This Hello AI is the same.

  • It's fine to copy and paste
  • It's fine even if you don't understand the meaning

The experience of "it worked" comes before all understanding.

To the next chapter

In the next chapter,
we will create a "visible world."

The screen moves,
reacts,
and changes.

Let's acquire another important weapon for understanding AI.

Discussion