You will be using 2 software tools throughout the semester; R and Python. You will either need to install the software or use available online versions of the software. You do not need both downloaded and online versions - all code can be performed with both. Pick something that works for you and stick with it.
You should have some familiarity with Python from previous classes or from EGN3214 (Programming for Engineers). I highly recommend using Colab as your Python platform for this class.
R is considered the definitive statistical tool for engineering analysis. You can use R in its native form (using R compiler or R online environment) or you can import R packages into Python. Either way, you should have some familiarity with R and how it is used.
The Anaconda distribution of Python is considered the official version. All tools necessary for Python are available in the Anaconda distribution. https://www.anaconda.com/download
The R Project has downloads for every OS and this is a good tool to have handy. https://www.r-project.org/
Colab - https://colab.research.google.com/ - The definitive version of Python for online use (supported by Google and requires a Google account)
Mycompiler also offers an online python compiler as part of its service (link below in R)
https://www.mycompiler.io/ - Software service that allows use of multiple compilers (including R). Allows the saving of files. Basic capabilities are free of charge. Account creation is necessary.
https://www.w3schools.com/r/tryr.asp?filename=demo_compiler - useful for quick and easy R calculations, no account necessary, no capabilities to save files (other than copy/paste between computer and service)
RDRR - https://rdrr.io/ a very easy to use and handy R compiler.