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In the opinion of this author, the Python programming language in and of itself is not a particularly interesting programming language. In fact, to aprogrammer accustomed to compiled, strongly-typed programming languages such as C, C++, and Java, the Python programming language seems to be a little "sloppy"and fraught with pitfalls. However, in the grand scheme of things, as of 2015, Python is an extremely important programming language.
The importance of Python derives not from the language itself, but from the hundreds of independent open source Python libraries that have been developed byothers in such areas as image manipulation, networking, plotting and graphics, engineering and scientific programming, web development, gaming, cryptography,database, geographic information systems (GIS) , audio and music, presentation, XML processing, etc. In fact, it is hard to come up with a programmingapplication area where someone has not already supplemented the basic Python programming language with an open-source library designed for use in thatapplication area. Many of those libraries are Python wrappers for compiled C code providing speed and efficiency not normally associated with interpretedlanguages such as Python. A long list of such library modules is provided at UsefulModules . Many of the links on that page point to other pages that also contain lists of links. Aneven longer list is provided on the SciPy Topical Software page.
Although not required by the course, I highly recommend that you also study the material in the section of this Ebook titled Putting Python to Work in addition to the required material described earlier . Seeing how Python is actually used in practice may help you to develop and retain the knowledge required to succeed in thecourse.
Similarly, I also recommend that you study the material on the following three websitesin parallel with the material on this website to reinforce what you are learning :
The first website listed above provides an interactive online Python tutorial that will help you learn the fundamentals of Python programming and test your progress along the way.
The second website listed above will not only help you learn about Python programming, but may also provide you with some enjoyment along the way.This website provides both text and video instruction, along with quizzes and programming projects to teach you how to use the Python language to writeinteractive arcade games involving sound, graphics, etc. While much of that material is beyond the scope of this course, you may find that learning thatmaterial will make the course more enjoyable.
The third website listed above is an excellent free online interactive Python textbook designed specifically for use in coursescommonly referred by computer science academics as CS-1 courses. The non-interactive version of the book is located here .
This section contains a variety of miscellaneous information.
Financial : Although the Connexions site makes it possible for you to download a PDF file for thismodule at no charge, and also makes it possible for you to purchase a pre-printed version of the PDF file, you should beaware that some of the HTML elements in this module may not translate well into PDF.
I also want you to know that, I receive no financial compensation from the Connexions website even if you purchase the PDF version of the module.
In the past, unknown individuals have copied my modules from cnx.org, converted them to Kindle books, and placed them for sale on Amazon.com showing me as the author. Ineither receive compensation for those sales nor do I know who does receive compensation. If you purchase such a book, please beaware that it is a copy of a module that is freely available on cnx.org and that it was made and published withoutmy prior knowledge.
Affiliation : I am a professor of Computer Information Technology at Austin Community College in Austin, TX.
-end-
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