Start Here

Start here if you are new to Alphesta.

Before working with market data, charts, or trading ideas, you first need a simple Python environment where you can write code, run it, change it, and see the result yourself.

Phase 0 goal: build a working Python lab that you can use throughout the Alphesta learning path.

Phase 0 — Build Your Python Lab

Follow these lessons in order. Each step gives you one small, visible result before you move on.

What You Will Build

Visual Studio Code
        ↓
Python
        ↓
Python extension
        ↓
your first Python file
        ↓
market-analysis packages
        ↓
Codex ready for later use

By the end of Phase 0, you will have a working environment where you can create Python files, run them, change values, and observe what happens.

Codex will also be available when you need it, but the first goal is to understand and run the code yourself.

The Alphesta Learning Loop

This is the basic pattern you will keep using throughout Alphesta:

Understand
    ↓
Write
    ↓
Run
    ↓
Change
    ↓
Observe
    ↓
Explain

Later, AI can help you perform larger experiments faster. It should not replace your understanding of what the code is doing.

What Comes After Phase 0?

Once your Python lab is ready, the next step is to work with real market data.

In Phase 1, you will learn how to download price data, understand an OHLCV DataFrame, find stocks in a market listing, save and reload data, check it, and clean it before analysis.

Continue to Phase 1 — Market Data →