Python Introduction
From HackRVA
Please note, this class is under constructions and topics, material, promises are subject to change up until 1 week before the class takes place.
Guido van Rossum had an idea. All folks that own computers should be able to write software for their computers. Python is his and his communities' shot at making that dream a reality.
With a userscape including Honeywell, AstraZenica, LucasFilm, Canonical and Google, this language has pervaded landscapes once dominated by Java and others.
Contents |
Topics
- Getting started with IDLE
- Syntax
- PyOOP (Python Object Oriented Practices)
Getting started with IDLE
Here I'll provide binaries of Python and IDLE for the class to install. Packages will be distributed on CD for three major operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X, and Ubuntu.
If anyone is interested in getting a head start, IDLE is available at python.org.
Syntax & Data Types
Discussion of the heart and soul of the language will begin here. Simple Hello World scripts will be written and we'll tinker with some iteration and builtin modules pertaining to manipulation of files and strings and such.
We'll be chewing on some of the builtin datatypes of Python for awhile.
If anyone wants a head start on the language dynamics themselves, feel free to cruise on over to the Python Documentation.
PyOOP
We'll discuss some object-oriented principles inherent in Python like the anatomy of a class, Python's concept of scoping and inheritance vs. object construction.
Our First Python Projects
These are in conjecture stage at the moment.
- Playful XML Parser
- SQLite3 Project
- XML in SQL out and Back again
- Intro to Django
Thoughts on Intermediate Python Development Class
Introduction to PyGTK / Quickly
- I'd be interested in giving an Ubuntu-centric class on application development with Quickly. Quickly develops boilerplate code based on templates, and prepares a GTK interface with the help of Glade.
Introduction to XML
- XML is a pretty gnarly topic for those first venturing in. It's uses are nearly limitless, particularly in the data-unification field. I can't think of better ways for clients to commit data to dataengines housed externally than via XML, as it can be parsed as a document or as a stream of events.
Introduction to SQLAlchemy
- SQL development in a modern object oriented programming language leaves much to be desired. There's an aweful lot of needless passing of database cursors and connections, and lockups are common even when really experienced programmers take on the task. ORM seeks to rectify this, and one of the more pervasive ORM packages is SQLAlchemy.
When and Where?
- July 17, 2010 at HackRVA Headquarters
TODO
- Insert Eventbrite link
- Upload Impress Presentation
Class is slated to take place July 17th, 2010
NOTES FROM CLASS
The class is over, but here are some useful links to keep people running with Python.
