Add Conda setup automation and Git LFS documentation for macOS development environment

[Copilot]

This PR addresses the common setup challenges faced when installing Conda on macOS and handling large files in Git repositories, as identified in user support conversations.

Problem

Users were encountering two main issues:

1. Conda Installation Issues: Getting zsh: command not found: conda errors when trying to install and use Miniconda on macOS, with confusion about architecture-specific installers (Intel vs Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3)

2. Git Large File Errors: Receiving File exceeds GitHub's file size limit of 100.00 MB errors when attempting to commit large installer files like Miniconda3-latest-MacOSX-arm64.sh (199.94 MB)

Solution

📚 Comprehensive Documentation

• CONDA_SETUP.md: Complete step-by-step guide for installing Miniconda on macOS with architecture detection, shell initialization, and troubleshooting
• GIT_LFS_SETUP.md: Detailed guide for handling large files with Git Large File Storage, including common scenarios and solutions
• README.md: Project overview with quick setup instructions and learning path guidance

🛠️ Automation Scripts

• setup_conda.sh: Automated installation script that:

  • Detects macOS architecture (Intel vs Apple Silicon)
  • Downloads the correct Miniconda installer
  • Handles installation prompts and shell initialization
  • Provides clear feedback and next steps

• verify_setup.sh: Environment verification script that:

  • Checks Python, Conda, Git, and other tools
  • Validates project dependencies
  • Provides color-coded status reporting
  • Suggests remediation steps

🔧 Configuration Improvements

• Enhanced .gitignore to exclude large installer files while preserving setup scripts
• Specific patterns for Conda installers (Miniconda3-latest-*.sh, Anaconda3-*.sh)
• Git LFS configuration guidance for permanent large files

Usage

# Quick automated setup
./setup_conda.sh

# Verify installation
./verify_setup.sh

# Create project environment
conda create --name code-learning python=3.9
conda activate code-learning
pip install -r requirements.txt

Key Features

• Cross-Architecture Support: Automatically detects and handles both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
• Error Prevention: Proactive .gitignore rules prevent accidental large file commits
• Comprehensive Troubleshooting: Covers common issues like shell initialization and file size limits
• Learning Path Integration: Seamlessly integrates with the existing Python learning materials

This solution provides a complete, tested approach to environment setup that eliminates the friction users experienced with manual Conda installation and Git large file handling.

Created from VS Code via the GitHub Pull Request extension.

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