Python Resources

For Learning Python

I've reviewed these resources and highly recommend them.

If you have never programmed with Python before, you may want to start with DataCamp's Learn python by example:

• https://www.learnpython.org, powered by DataCamp. For example, look at the String Formatting lesson

If you want to just read, I recommend starting with the Python Tutorial:

• Python 3 Tutorial

If you have not programmed before, you may try:

• Dive Into Python 3 (book, online for free; a little dated.)
• Python for Non-Programmers

If you have programmed before, at this point I recommend:

• Official Python Documentation. Just read the documentation. Honestly.
• Python Tips (book, online for free)
• Python Google Style Guide.

Data Representation

Numerical Datas

• numpy - numeric analysis in python (needed for matplotlib)
• jupyter notebook
• pandas or SparkSQL
• tabulate - create tables easily (but see my tytable replacement)

Date Data

• dateutil, part of Conda
• iCalendar, package for Python, generates calendears

String Formatting

• https://pyformat.info

Text Processing

See Text processing notes.

Graphing, Graphics and Games

Graphing

• matplotlib - a handy system for plotting in python. (Short example of using matplotlib within jupyter)
• Altair: Declarative Visualization in Python
• geopy - geocoding for Python
• Seaborn. (See Datacamp Tutorial)

Easy Graphics

• Graphics.py: http://mcsp.wartburg.edu/zelle/python/graphics.py http://mcsp.wartburg.edu/zelle/python/ http://mcsp.wartburg.edu/zelle/python/graphics/graphics.pdf
• HTML graphics: http://anh.cs.luc.edu/python/hands-on/3.1/handsonHtml/graphics.html
• http://plotdevice.io/
• http://www.cc.gatech.edu/classes/AY2013/cs1301_summer/presentations/calico_graphics.pdf

Games

• http://www.pygame.org/ pygame - a Python game development system
• PEAK Easy Install
• Crystal Space 3D
• VPython 3D Programming in Python

Image Manipulation

• Use Pillow, the Python2/3 fork of Python Image Library (PIL).

Fun examples:

• http://jeremykun.com/2012/01/01/random-psychedelic-art/
• http://pythonvision.org/basic-tutorial
• http://stackoverflow.com/questions/138250/read-the-rgb-value-of-a-given-pixel-in-python-programatically

Python GUI Options

I need to write some programs that use GUI.

• tkinter - built in, but not recommended
• pyqt - Use PyQT5 (it's part of Anaconda)
• wxwidgets - It's okay, but use PyQT5
• wikibooks has a page on Python Program/GUI Programming options
• FLTK, the Fast Light Toolkit

Building Web Applications

You basically have two options:

• Write a CGI script (slow, but easy)
• Some sort of Web Server Gateway Interface (WSGI)
• See also https://wiki.python.org/moin/WebFrameworks

Examples and resources:

• https://github.com/MichaelPereira/webhooks-demo-application
• https://mattcarrier.com/flask-dreamhost-setup/
• https://www.byteconsole.com/get-flask-up-and-running-on-a-dreamhost-server-with-passenger/

WSGI options

• Flask (can run on Apache with Passenger, but needs its own domain name)
• CherryPy

Notes on Flask

   $ touch tmp/restart.txt         # reload your program

Using Passengers on Dreamhost

• https://help.dreamhost.com/hc/en-us/articles/215769578-Passenger-overview
• https://help.dreamhost.com/hc/en-us/articles/216137717-Python-overview
• https://help.dreamhost.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000218612-Installing-a-custom-version-of-Python
• https://help.dreamhost.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000702772-Installing-a-custom-version-of-Python-3
• https://help.dreamhost.com/hc/en-us/articles/215489338-Installing-virtualenv-and-custom-modules-in-Python
• https://help.dreamhost.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000221112-Using-pip-to-install-Python-modules

Python Installation

If you are using a Mac, you almost certainly want to ditch Apple's python implementation and instead install your own.

I now recommend the Anaconda Python distribution, because it has almost everything that you need, and it's easy to add new modules.

If you want to write a Python program with a GUI that can be run on any system, you'll need to use Tkinter (Python's Tcl/Tk bindings). If you want to actually enjoy what you are writing, you want to use PyQT5..