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Python Programming 101
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- Data Types Wed, 2011-06-08 07:50
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- Expressions, Statements, and Names Q&A Mon, 2011-05-16 04:39
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Introductions
Go back to: General discussion
Lets get a feel for the diversity of people gathered here to learn Python.
Please inform us, briefly, of your interest in learning Python.
- What drew you to the language?
- What do you plan to use it for?
- Do you use any software that is built with Python or that supports it?
Mark Hutchison - Vancouver BC
1) Open, relatively easy to learn, powerful, web-friendly and it has a cool name ;)
2) Web application development
3) Python is all over the place: Facebook, Google Apps, online games and many other web applications. I am sure I use a lot of software at least partly built with Python without even knowing it.
Philipp Konrad from Vienna, Austria.
1) A Hungarian friend and computer scientist was fascinated by python. He always spoke about text processing. Personally, I don't know what this is and why python got a couple of dev-groups in Vienna's hackerspace. So, why not learning it? :)
2)Practice programming, practice programming, practice programming. I have no plans for a particular use.
3)Ubuntu. Python and C are the officially used languages.
Christopher Yeh - Vancouver BC
1) Python is a nice simple language that'll make building social experiments easier.
2)I wanted to learn python so that I can have greater control over experiments.
3) The main program I am learning to use python for is OpenSesame, an opensource experiment builder.
Jeremy Kao from Los Angeles, CA
1) Powerful language and i heard the syntax is much simpler than C++.
2) Unsure yet. But web development is one of my interests.
3) I probably use it without even knowing. It's so ubiquitous and universal... which is partially why I want to learn it.
Hi all, I am Avinesh from Suva, Fiji in the South Pacific
* I heard about python program when i was browsing through google help pages and also while using a open source 3d animation software, Blender. The software was really good and it made me realize that python was a powerful programming language and since then i have always had an interest in learning python.
* For now i would like to use python to do automation for website testing. For future, i would like to use python where ever applicable.
* I have used Blender. I also use fedora linux and i believe there are many softwares and tools in linux which have python in them that i may not know about.
Hi Avinesh,
Do you use Selenium for your automated website tests?
--Brylie
Hi Brylie,
no, i havent used Selenium. Currently i use a firefox addon "iMacros".
Hey all, Joel from Australia
1. My programming friend is in love with it, figured I should give it a try
2. Playing with the Google Apps Engine, mainly web applications
3. I believe dropbox was made with python
=)
Hi all, I'm Dónal from Ireland.
1) I'm a mechanical engineer and use MATLAB a lot, but I'd like to replace it with an open source alternative.
2) Not sure what I'll use it for yet. Some previous projects where I would have liked to use it: wavelet analysis, stepper motor control, structural analysis...
3) Like Jeremy, I'm sure I use Python-based software all the time without knowing it
Hi p2pu,
I am steve from Kenya.
my main aim is to know how to program using python because it is one of the most recent languages and I have a thing for just knowing programming.
as yet I do not know of any apps inparticular that have been created using python but i know there is a bunch out there that I even use daily without my knowledge
Hi Dónal,
Have you checked out Sage mathematics?
http://www.sagemath.org/
You may also be interested in SciPy/NumPy:
http://numpy.scipy.org/
--Brylie
Hi Brylie,
I've briefly looked through the SciPy/NumPy site, that was one of the reasons for my interest in Python. Hadn't seen Sage before, thanks for the link. I really should try out GNU Octave too...
Hi all, I'm Francisco from Madrid, Spain.
1)I read that it's the best language to learn programming. I tried twice by myself in the past, with little succes, but I think this time is going to be the one!
2)By now, to learn the basic of programming. In the future...
3)I saw it in many OpenSource design software, as a way to build plugings that made amazing things.
Hi lil-pythons!
I'm Israel from Chile (living in australia).
1- All this years i have heard and read a lot about python but i had never try it, so as a web developer i just would like to improve my skills and learn a quite famous.
2) As i said , i will like to use it for webapps.
3) i really dont know, i suppose it's almost in everywhere.
* What drew you to the language?
* What do you plan to use it for?
* Do you use any software that is built with Python or that supports it?
1. Seemingly the ease of learning with Python.
2. I plan to make some add-ons for a Biblical Study program
3. I know its used in the Linux OS world a lot of the time.
Peace ... Will
Hi Will,
What is the Bible study program? Have you tried Bible Time, Xiphos, or GNOME Sword?
http://www.crosswire.org/sword/software/
http://xiphos.org/
--Brylie
I was thinking of an E-sword add-on, but I know it is closed source. Yes, I have looked at the others but not that deeply.
Here is what I want to do: Very simply - I want to write a program / script / search feature that will let someone search in the "Bible' and find the "first mention" or the first time a word is mentioned and then output it to a screen, and allow for printing.
I am assuming this can be done in some form. I don't want to reinvent the wheel, but I know this would be of great value to certain people.
Thank You,
Will
Will,
As an initial step, we might start with this text:
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/10/pg10.txt
The ingredients for finding a string in the large text file might include the File I/O module or urllib, depending on the source. I will gladly help with this aspect of the challenge.
Also, it might be worthwhile at some point to check out the Natural Language Toolkit (which includes the Gutenberg KJV Bible):
http://www.nltk.org/
--Brylie
OK Thank you.
Now I feel very overwhelmed. I mean I have an idea, but I am at a loss as to how and where to start.
Hmmm, perhaps I should read though this course a bit to get a better understanding. Thanks .. back later..
Will
Hello Again.
Ok, I installed the following on windows 7. (trying it instead of on Linux)
Python: http://www.python.org/ftp/python/2.6.6/python-2.6.6.msi
PyYAML: http://pyyaml.org/download/pyyaml/PyYAML-3.09.win32-py2.6.exe
NLTK: http://nltk.googlecode.com/files/nltk-2.0b9.win32.msi,
I then in the Python GUI I ran:
>>> import nltk
>>> nltk.download()
and downloaded ALL packages
then I checked:
>>> nltk.corpus.gutenberg.fileids()
and I don't see the King James book. Do you know how I would get that data?
Thank you. Will
Ok .. I installed the NLTK and I can import the 1st book and 'count the words ..
sorted(set(text3)) [1]
..sorry .. I am tired and no better than to do things tired and late at night.
* What drew you to the language?
* What do you plan to use it for?
* Do you use any software that is built with Python or that supports it?
1) Python is an easy language; that can be used for rapid development
2) Everything just everything
3) Nah
Quantum Computing FTW
Hi Wesley,
You might find it interesting to work with Massimo DiPierro. He is an Associate Professor at DePaul university. He has done work with quantum chromodynamics and Python:
http://www.renci.org/focus-areas/visualization/visualization-projects/qu...
http://mycti.cti.depaul.edu/people/facultyinfo_mycti.asp?id=343#taught
Would it be worthwhile and/or possible to port the Python/C platform to a quantum architecture?
--Brylie
Nope because python works with bits and quantum computing works with qubits
*Correction it may one day be possible but I highly doubt it will and by that time it will be 2030s-2050s. So the short answer is no for now but thank you for the links!
Jim Roma - Brooklyn NY
1. Ease of use and the large community uses it
2. I plan on using python to parse through log files and to do some web scraping
3. Dropbox
1) I've only heard of python and checked out the documentation a couple of times, but it really interests me because its open source and has been around for quite some time.
2) I plan to use python to expand my skill set and knowledge of web programming languages, as well as adapt the methods and best techniques to make me a better developer.
3) None that I can think of, but I've been hearing a lot about Django lately.
Johan Mares, Belgium
1) Wanted to learn programming language that would come in handy on linux server. In doubt between Perl and Python, but Python got mentioned more and then I came across this course on P2PU. Learning in a group seemed more appealing than doing it on my own.
2) Programming :D. No concrete plans yet, but will surely look into bioinformatics and Google App Engine.
3) Probably use python-based software daily without knowing. Dropbox comes to mind.
Jimmy in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1)I noticed a few web applications/pages with .py extension and wondered what was going on behind the scenes. I want to learn the latest programming language that can be used for web development.
2) web development/applications.
3) I use dropbox but didn't know it was python based until reading the above comments.
Hey all,
Krishna Tadepalli from Bangalore, India
1. Wanted to learn Python from a long time. But didn't get chance.
2. Web development
3.None yet... But unknowing many I guess...
Hi All! Jedediah from South Bend, IN.
1. Zed Shaw's philosophy of programming is VERY interesting, and this is the language he teaches.
2.I'm a social entrepreneur that has new ideas all the time. My biggest barrier to getting them off the ground is paying for programming and development. I want to improve my own skills to reduce this curve.
3. If I knew of any, I would.
Jedediah,
Are there any specific articles or essays by Zed Shaw that you recommend reading?
--Brylie
hallo everyboby! Savvas from Greece
beginer with python, willing to learn as it is used in many applications, want to practice, hope will be intresting
Hiya - Tyler, Boulder, CO
I think what drew me to the language was my limited experience with HAML/SASS and how clean that code looks.
I plan to use Python for a number of applications. My most immediate application would be to process data. Sometimes my job involves some monotonous sorting of information, I've gotten fairly good using excel to deal with these issues, but I feel that Python would be a better solution.
I use Ubuntu 10.10 - so I likely use a lot of software that was built on Python. Plus some web apps - gmail, dropbox, etc.
Hi Tyler,
You may be interested in the book Beginning Python Visualization:
http://www.apress.com/9781430218432
--Brylie
Hi All
From South Africa
I'm sure this will be fun and a good learning experience.
Hi all,
I am Christian from Virginia Beach, VA
1) I was drawn to the language because I have noticed that is what a lot of colleges are teaching.
2)I plan to learn it to program with this language and use what I learn here to move on to lua and program some mods for wow. But I wanted to learn a high level, object oriented language first.
3) At the moment no particular plans.
Hi all,I'm Nada from Yemen.
*I have heard a lot about the language ,it's ease of use and many applications nowadays are build using Python,so i would like to learn Python's techniques of programing .
* I hope i can use the language to produce educational games.
* I can't remember special apps in Python ...
Good luck!
Hi Nada,
What ideas do you have for educational games? This is an area where I am very interested.
HTML5 and JavaScript may come in very handy as well for creating educational games. Mozilla is really encouraging developers to use open technologies such as HTML5/JS (Python as well):
https://gaming.mozillalabs.com/
--Brylie
Hello guys.
I have no longer programing en not too much experience.
1)Because it is one the most used language. it has a lot uses(on the web, system application, add-ons, plugins...). I want to learn how to use this program to develope.
2)On the web.
3)No, i dont.
Hello.
1) I'm interested in getting my feet wet with programming and Python seems pretty straighforward as well as prolific.
2) Future plans will depend on how well I take to it. It may be a hobby or get involved with some engineering or app development.
3) Python is everywhere. Chances are I do.
Amanda Valverde - Corpus Christi, TX
What drew you to the language?
I've heard much hype about Python and how easy it is to use. I think it could be a pretty powerful language to learn.
What do you plan to use it for?
I plan to do develop web applications in the future and feel this will allow me to put my best foot forward.
Do you use any software that is built with Python or that supports it?
BitTorrent, YouTube, Google, Facebook
Hiya!
1)I read that python would be easy to learn.
2)Game programming all the way!
3)I'm not really sure.
Hello everyone,
I am Dimitris from Greece.
What I enjoy about python is the very natural feel of the syntax, and the whole pythonic philosophy about programming.
I haven't used it much, except during my university years, and a little bit of scripting I 've done in Blender.
I ve been out of practice with programming for quite a while, so I hope this class will give me the initiative to change this.
Cheers.
Hello P2PU,
I'm Prashant from Mt View, California.
I have been wanting to learn Python for a while because of the benefits it has over other such languages like Ruby, Perl, etc.
I intend to use it for web development and I think this is really powerful language for that.
I use application like Facebook, Google Apps, etc which I believe is built on Python.
Hi Guys,
I'm David from London, UK.
1) I've been learning Ruby for the past few months and I know that Python is also another popular OOP language. I want to compare the two and just bolster my programming power :).
2) I hope to play around with the Django framework after learning Python to create some awesome web apps.
3) As mentioned above, Dropbox.
Thanks!
My name is Mohammad Andalib, USA
1) I am totally new to the computer language, I wants to learn Python bcz I know my lots of friend who know this language and they got jobs easily
2)I want to make my career in programming language, and want to play with Django framework.
3) Yes, Facebook, Google Apps I use regularly !
My name is Paul, Jamaica
Its simplicity (5 lines to print a string in C but 1 line to do it in python).
Plan to use it for website development and games.
Yes. I'm a open source fanatic so i might been though lots of python software.
Eric from Oregon, USA
1) It's heavy use in GIS profession that I work in.
2) I plan to use it in my GIS job.
3) Yes, the GIS software I use from Esri and FME.
Hi Erik,
Have you used, or considered using, GRASS and/or QGIS? They both have interfaces for Python scripting:
http://grass.osgeo.org/wiki/GRASS_and_Python
http://www.qgis.org/pyqgis-cookbook/
Have you used or do you use python-gdal, Mapnik, pyproj, Shapely, or other Python libraries in your work?
http://trac.osgeo.org/gdal/wiki/GdalOgrInPython
http://mapnik.org/
http://code.google.com/p/pyproj/
http://trac.gispython.org/lab/wiki/Shapely
--Brylie
Hi Brylie,
I'm aware of both GRASS and QGIS but have not used them. ArcMap is what I use now and likely continue to use in the future. It also has built in interface for Python scripting that seems to have a bright and expanding future. I very new to Python so I have not used those libraries but I will check them out. Thanks for the great information.
Hi, my name is Javier Sagredo and now I'm living in Gold Coast, Australia
1) Because I don't know it, and it looks very interesting.
2) Nothing planed yet.
3) Hum, Dropbox? and I guess a lot of Linux applications
My name is Tammi and I live in Georgia.
1. I was drawn to python because I am a beginner and recently started reading the "Hello World" Introduction to Programming for kids book which taught programming in python.
2. I don't have any specific plans yet.
3. I have no idea if any programs I use are written in python.
Hey, I'm Ari Elder, and I'm from Vancouver, BC.
1. Python seems like the best language to learn programming with, because it's not so complex I have to learn a confusing language while learning about operators and functions.
2. I want to learn how to program because I rely on computers for everything, yet I have no idea how they work. Knowing how to program can serve a variety of purposes, and it seems like a useful skill to have.
3. I don't really know the languages that any of my programs are written in. but I suspect that a language as universal as python is used for something I use.
Welcome Ari,
To get a ground level intro to computers, perhaps start with Python for Informatics, chapter one.
--Brylie
Hi, I am Nicolas from Ecuador
I am currently studding structural engineering, I would like to learn about Python because it seems like one of the best languages to start programing and also because I am currently trying Gentoo.
As many others probably I have use programs written in python but I dont really know.
Hello, I'm Tchiyuka, from New York. I've seen a few books on Python and was interested in learning, but I know I need a somewhat structured environment to really learn something.
I hope to sharpen and expand my programming skills by learning Python.
Hi, thanks for accepting me on this course. I'm Sally from Australia.
1. I work as a front-end developer, I would like to broaden my horizons and gain a firm foundation in programming, I think Python will be a great path to that.
2. No plans, would like to get a feel for what it can do
3. I haven't been exposed to any, I plan to follow the class exercises in xcode (I think it has support for Python)
Hello Brylie,
what about you? :)
- Where are you from?
- What brought you to Python?
- How did it happen that you started teaching at p2pu?
philipp
Thanks for asking Phillipp :-)
I am from Nevada City, California and Lawrence, Kansas before that (where Django was born :)
I like Python because of the spirit and vitality of the community. I also like the friendly syntax of the language and the clean look of the code.
I have been peer learning here for a few semesters and really wanted to participate in a Python class. When the call for classes came this semester, I figured that I could help facilitate a peer journey.
Thank you all for participating in this course! :-D
What drew you to the language?
I been programming for a while, i have had contact with python before but never been able to really get involved, however i really like how easy is to write readable code that works, another thing i like i the lack of "real" IDEs because i do java for living and it sux that sometimes you are just punch buttons in your IDE to get stuff working, and i feel pretty dumb
What do you plan to use it for?
i love games, there is this project i want to participate but i just dont know where to start :D (http://code.google.com/p/evennia/) so i think by actually really learning python is a good start
Do you use any software that is built with Python or that supports it?
Vim / HG dunno if either needs python but you actually need python before using them (not really sure about hg)
I was drawn to the language because it is a nice looking language and it is relatively easy to learn, along with that, it seems that it would be the best language for me to learn because it is all over the place and is expanding.
I plan to develop codes with it and with it learn other languages and get my jump start in an education
I know that Google and Facebook both use python in some form or another.
What drew you to the language?
The part of the course that said 'beginners'! I have been dabbling in other languages, but I heard that Python is easy to read ans understand.
What do you plan to use it for?
I would like to use it for the web. I've heard that a lot of great things could be developed from it for the web.
Do you use any software that is built with Python or that supports it?
I have no idea!
Hi, my name is Antonio Caballero from México
1.- i have been envolved with several programming lenguages, but never with python, and the word beginner drew my attention
2.- i want to use it for web development
3.- not that i know
What drew you to the language?
I like the structure of python - the language forces you to program in a style that is readable and easy to comprehend. I also like the constant theme of "monty python and the flying circus" any language that draws so much from this group has got to be good.
What do you plan to use it for?
I do not really know, guessing that prototyping applications in python first before commiting to another language would be one possiblity, a "proof of concept." possibly using for web development, I don't know enough to say for sure, but use in adjunct with javascript and instead of php?
Do you use any software that is built with Python or that supports it?
not as far as I know.
Jose here. I'm interested in python because it's commonly used. It's also worthwhile to have a decent repertoire of programming languages.
I plan to use it for anything that seems appropriate. It's likely I'll try to contribute to a few Free Software projects that use it.
Blender is the one that comes to mind. I'm sure there's others since I use Linux systems often.