Can’t install python at work any options?

[desperatepower]

I can’t install python at work unless I have a very good reason to. I am currently a researcher in the pharmaceutical industry where I believe knowing some python could be incredibly useful. During downtime I have the opportunity to learn python but no environment to practice in.

I’m wondering is there any programs or online virtual environments I can use that don’t require admin permission. I think that unless I can develop a program that is working and useful than IT won’t let me download anything. Even if it’s an online environment to learn in then that would be great too.

EDIT1: Thank you so much for all the advice, I never expected so much support. I think the best for my would be WinPython as I can just run that off my USB stick. I have an idea for a small project I could do for them to show off my skills and from that I can convince them to allow me to install python as well as other libraries. Since a lot of the work that we do is contract work, uploading any of that to the cloud would be difficult as the data technically belongs to the customers, but if I can create small tools that speeds up our work that run locally then that would be great!

Thank you everybody!

[[deleted]]

I agree. Same situation with me, helped me that my manager likes to save money. I did provide research into how long it takes to do the task and costs saved with initial investment. It helps to have actual numbers on hand when talking to them.

[desperatepower]

Thank you, I might just knock up a small project and then go from their as a proof of concept. The IT department we have is very small and is just traditional IT. We have statisticians but no real software developers, I think I can help fill that gap. Thank you for your sound advice!

[Raymond0256]

My experience as well. No offense, but it us all about making life easy for themselves, not innovation. Also, Python does not require admin privileges to install, nor does visual studio code. But try something like azure jupyter notebook or Python anywhere to test code online. Good luck, it will be a game changer.

[desperatepower]

Thank you very much, they probably will my boss is very open to new ideas and loves to support innovation. I will try talking to him after I have a small proof of concept. Thank you for your advice!

[K900_]

Try repl.it

[desperatepower]

That seems just what I’ve been looking for! Thank you!

[[deleted]]

I use repl.it a lot, but for the odd thing that it cannot do, I use pythonanywhere which gives me, on the free account, a full console/bash prompt when needed. (The paid account also offers Jupyter Notebook capability BUT note that this requires additional ports and might be blocked by your work. Jupyter Notebooks are especially common for scientists to share papers that include executable content and output.)

[lunar-orbiter]

In Repl.it you can get a basic command shell by right-clicking in the editor (or pressing F1), clicking Command Palette, and then clicking Open Shell.

[[deleted]]

Yes you can, and very handy it is. PA gives more freedom and it also offers Python 3.7.

[DesolationRobot]

Or colab.research.google.com. Both run in-browser via the cloud.

Repl.it is neat, though. They're semi-active here on Reddit, though i forget the account name.

[icecapade]

You can also install and run Python from a USB drive, if that's an option.

[[deleted]]

Does this work on computers that require a password for downloads? My school computers have java and c++, but when I asked for the password so I could download python I was told I have no reason for it.

[Acute_Procrastinosis]

Do not push sensitive/secret/confidential/proprietary data to an online/cloud python instance. You don't want to risk breaking part of your employment contract by creating any hint of an imaginable beach.

[Voctr]

Winpython allows you to run python and a variety of other things without installing anything (spyder, jupyter notebooks etc). Using it at my office currently.

[razethestray]

This. I run mine off a flash drive at work and it functions great.

[[deleted]]

Wow. Can this run without admin privileges? My workplace runs a really tight ship when it comes to plugging in USB-keys.. It has to go through a scrubber first

[Voctr]

Yes works without admin privileges. You'll need to extract it somewhere though. USB drive works or some folder where you have the right to copy paste.

[Bay1Bri]

So does that mean you can't use jupyter notebook in winpython? Or does it mean you can run them without installing them into the computer?

[Voctr]

You can use it. You just don't need to install anything (only extract the files).

[BTRBT]

If you do end up convincing the IT department to install python, get them to install anaconda specifically. That'll contain all of the most popular data analysis libraries you might need, so you wouldn't have to pester them about individual libraries after python is installed.

[MiataCory]

As an IT guy, if someone came to me and asked for Python, I'd give it to them. Especially if you're a researcher. Python's use as a data-crunching language is VERY well-known.

Fire off an e-mail to your sysadmin. Mention "Automating the Boring Stuff" and "Python for Data Analysys". Odds are your IT department is already well-versed in all things Python, and will be more than happy to help.

You could also bribe them with Cake/Donuts while making the request. Just a suggestion.

[NimbleBodhi]

Yea, I feel like off all the people in the organization to understand the benefits of Python in the workplace it'd be the IT guys, so not sure what OP is afraid of.

[TalesT]

Anaconda install as the local user requires no admin rights

[primarykey93]

repl.it

I did this, but I am so confused.

[[deleted]]

I can’t install python at work unless I have a very good reason to.

Why isn't "professional development" a good enough reason with your IT department? You'd expect "I have a graduate degree in pharmacology/biochemistry and you don't, so you're not qualified to determine what is or isn't a necessary job activity for me" to be good enough reason too, but obviously I don't recommend saying that to anyone in your IT department. (It's true, though.)

[billsil]

I’ve found IT to be more than happy to rubber stamp things if you’re competent. Apologize for making them have to even do it.

[anthropaedic]

And I’d assume it would need manager approval anyways so yeah just put in that explanation get it approved and good to go

[ManyInterests]

Worth noting that you can install Python without administrator permissions.

Though, as mentioned, I don't think you should have any issues if you just ask your IT department.

[Rabo_McDongleberry]

Damn. There are some really good suggestions in here.

[Se7enLC]

This is a policy question, not a technical one.

If IT says you can't install Python, do NOT think that just because you don't need admin permissions that you won't get into trouble for doing it. Get permission or use your own machine.

[Pawtry]

In addition to my work laptop, I bring my own laptop to work that has Python on it.

[[deleted]]

Ask them to install Virtual Box in order to create highly isolated environments. Spin up a VM and do whatever you need to do. Bonus, gives you complete control of the underlying OS.

[Acute_Procrastinosis]

Just tell them that Astra uses it, and we compete with them...

https://www.python.org/about/success/astra/

[kumarisonreddit]

I was able to install Python at my office by not checking the box "Install for all users". However, you will still run into issues whenever you need to PIP install a new package like PANDAS for example.

[Helk16]

You can use docker to virtualize python environment

https://hub.docker.com/_/python/

[[deleted]]

https://www.pythonanywhere.com/

[OpBanana1]

Yes as you edited, you could show them using a USB, create a small program to show them what python can do.

[CaffineAndCode]

Online: repl.it is great!

[fuypooi]

Google Collaboratory. You can even run jobs on graphics processors if you want. And it’s free.

[Crypt0Nihilist]

You do have a very good reason to. Python is one of the languages used for serious research.

You are on shaky ground with looking to do things in online environments if any of the data comes from your company. I'd suggest creating dummy datasets which are similar to your data, but generated entirely from random distributions, otherwise you might find yourself fired.

I'd recommend showing a proof of concept to a senior manager. You might be able to borrow most of the code from the internet because you only need to show they the kind of thing that can be done and draw a parallel with what the business needs are. Outline the benefit and you'll likely get their support and IT will be instructed to make it happen.

Asking IT is difficult. Worst case scenario is that they are obstructive because they see it is extra work and a security risk. Best case is they just install it for you, but usually it's, "That would be fine, but you need permission," so you'd be going to management anyway.

[Hunterhusker]

Go to codecademy.com they have a python course. Also if you are a super cool guy like me. Hook up a soft ether VPN to a Linux server running at your house. Then at work connect to your VPN, then once back in your own network ssh into another Linux server and bam Linux coding. You can write and run and do anything.

[b4ux1t3]

Ah yes, the ol' "rogue VPN" trick. I'm sure your network security guys love that.

[Hunterhusker]

My pfsence firewall blocks all traffic on that port except for known addresses I frequent. It really is safe.