Setup: Running the Examples

Why this post?

All examples on this site are small experiments in:

• algorithms
• cellular automata
• fractals
• emergent systems

To follow along, you only need a minimal Python setup — Python itself plus two libraries: NumPy for array math and Matplotlib for drawing the results.

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1. Install Python

Download Python (3.10 or newer):

https://www.python.org/downloads/

Verify the installation:

python --version

You should see something like Python 3.12.2.

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2. Install NumPy and Matplotlib

These are the only two libraries used in most posts here:

• NumPy — fast arrays, the natural way to represent grids and cells.
• Matplotlib — quick, no-fuss plotting and image display.

Install both with pip:

pip install numpy matplotlib

If you prefer an isolated environment (recommended), create a virtual environment first:

python -m venv .venv
# Windows
.venv\Scripts\activate
# macOS / Linux
source .venv/bin/activate

pip install numpy matplotlib

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3. Test that everything works

Save the following as test_setup.py and run it:

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

grid = np.random.randint(0, 2, (100, 100))

plt.imshow(grid, cmap="binary")
plt.axis("off")
plt.show()

Run it:

python test_setup.py

A window should pop up showing a 100×100 grid of random black-and-white pixels — pure noise — that looks roughly like this:

If you see something similar, your setup is ready.

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That’s it

You now have everything you need:

• Python to run the code
• NumPy to hold the grid
• Matplotlib to look at it

The next posts will start using this setup to build small worlds — one rule at a time.