Week 1 -Foundational Python

Python Setup

Data Types and Variables

Control Flow

Functions and Modules

Type Hinting

CLI Habits

Errors and Debugging

Logging in Python

File Operations

[Cloud] Azure Setup

Gotchas & Pitfalls

Practice

Assignment

• Teachers

Back to Track

Azure Setup and Account Access

Throughout this track, you'll deploy data pipelines to the cloud using Microsoft Azure. This week, we'll just set up your access - actual cloud development starts in later weeks.

💡 Student accounts have already been created for you in the Azure portal. You don't need to create a new Azure account or use a credit card.

Logging Into Azure

Step 1: Get your credentials

Your instructor will provide you with:

• Your Azure email/username (usually in format [email protected])
• A temporary password

Step 2: First login

1. Go to https://portal.azure.com
2. Enter your provided email address
3. Enter the temporary password
4. You'll be prompted to create a new password
   • Must be at least 12 characters
   • Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
   • Don't reuse passwords from other accounts!

Step 3: Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Azure requires MFA for security:

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone
   • iOS App Store
   • Google Play Store
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to link your account
3. Scan the QR code with the Authenticator app

⚠️ Keep your Authenticator app! You'll need it every time you log in. If you lose access to it, contact your instructor immediately.

Step 4: Verify access

Once logged in, you should see the Azure Portal home page:

1. Click on Resource groups in the left sidebar
2. You should see at least one resource group assigned to you
3. This confirms your account is set up correctly

GitHub Education Benefits

If you have a GitHub Student account (from the Core program), you may have additional Azure credits:

1. Go to https://education.github.com/pack
2. Look for "Microsoft Azure" in the benefits list
3. Follow the link to activate free Azure credits

💡 The student accounts provided by your instructor are sufficient for this track. GitHub Education credits are a bonus if you want to experiment on your own.

Troubleshooting

Can't log in?

• Double-check your username (copy-paste to avoid typos)
• Try a private/incognito browser window
• Clear browser cookies for microsoft.com and azure.com
• Contact your instructor if problems persist

MFA not working?

• Make sure your phone's time is synced (Authenticator is time-sensitive)
• Check if notifications are enabled for the Authenticator app
• Try using the 6-digit code instead of push notification

No resource groups visible?

• You might be in the wrong subscription - check the subscription filter
• Your account setup might be incomplete - contact your instructor

Extra reading

• What is Azure?

Cheatsheet

• Portal: portal.azure.com
• Login: Use student email provided.
• MFA: Keep Authenticator app ready.
• Support: Ask in Slack if blocked.

Next: Practice Exercises

*https://hackyourfuture.net/*

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