In this chapter, we discussed from where we can get pandas and how to install pandas using the Anaconda Python distribution on Windows, Mac, and Linux. We also examined how to update the pandas packages with the conda package manager and created a small pandas program that we can run in the IPython console. We then discussed how to run the IPython Notebook server to provide a rich web interface to develop pandas applications. We closed the chapter with a brief introduction to using the Wakari online service to build pandas applications on the Web.

In the next chapter, we will dive into using NumPy arrays, which are a fundamental core of pandas. Getting an understanding of NumPy arrays will therefore set you up well to understand pandas operations and data structures that are presented in Chapter 4, The pandas Series Object and in the later chapters.