Install Python via pyenv, create an isolated virtual environment, obtain an API key from Anthropic or OpenAI, and make your first successful API call that returns a real model response. The goal is a working, reproducible environment — not perfect code.
Proof required
Screen recording (2–3 min) showing your terminal: Python version, pip list with anthropic or openai installed, and a live API call running that returns a real response. Narrate what each step does. The API key must load from an environment variable — never appear on screen.
What gets checked
API key loads from a .env file or environment variable — it must not be visible anywhere in the recording
The API response is from the real model (not mocked) — the model name appears in the response object
Environment is isolated via venv or conda — not installed to system Python
Resources
Foundation: start here · Depth: go deeper · Mastery: for the dedicated
Foundation
Anthropic Quickstart
Depth
pyenv installer
Mastery
python-dotenv
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