Jupyter Notebook Basics

CS Jupyter Lab Server is available at https://djnb.cs.uwindsor.ca/

Create a New Notebook

1. In the top-right corner of the Jupyter dashboard, click the File New Notebook.

2. Select Python 3 (or Python 3 [ipykernel]).

3. A new tab will open containing your blank Jupyter Notebook (.ipynb).

• Verification: Ensure a new notebook tab opens with an empty cell and the kernel status circle in the top right turns solid (indicating it is connected).

Press Select

Understand Notebook Cells

A Jupyter Notebook is made up of individual blocks called cells. The two primary cell types you will use are:

• Code Cells: Used to write and execute programming logic (default is Python). Outputs appear directly below the cell.

• Markdown Cells: Used to write formatted narrative text, explanations, headings, and bullet points using Markdown syntax.

• Verification: Click the cell dropdown menu in the toolbar to toggle any cell between "Code" and "Markdown".

1. Click on the first empty cell (which defaults to a code cell).

2. Type a simple print statement:

   Python

   print("Hello, Jupyter!")
   

3. Run the cell by pressing Shift + Enter on your keyboard (or clicking the Play ▶ button in the toolbar).

• Verification: Confirm that the text Hello, Jupyter! appears directly underneath the code cell.

Add Text Using Markdown

1. Insert a new cell below by clicking the + button in the toolbar or pressing B while in command mode.

2. Change the cell type to Markdown.

3. Type some formatted text:

   Markdown

   # My Notes
   This is a **bold** explanation of my code workflow.
   

4. Press Shift + Enter to render the text.

• Verification: Check that the Markdown code converts into a clean heading and bold text instead of raw code.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Jupyter operates in two modes: Edit Mode (typing inside a cell, green border) and Command Mode (navigating cells, blue border). Press Esc to enter command mode, and Enter to edit.

• Shift + Enter: Run current cell and move to the next.

• A: Insert a new cell above the current cell.

• B: Insert a new cell below the current cell.

• M: Change active cell to Markdown.

• Y: Change active cell to Code.

For further information visit https://jupyterlab.readthedocs.io/en/latest/