Entering the World of Python Programming

One of my professional development goals expressed on the ‘Introduction’ page of my ePortfolio is to learn the python programming language. I believe learning a programming language to be valuable in our modern time where technology is becoming increasingly present in every aspect of our lives. I think becoming knowledgeable (and hopefully proficient) in a programming language will better enable my ability to solve problems and think up novel solutions as I will possess a better understanding of what programming can do. In addition, I think learning a programming language will further develop my ability to think critically and logically; abilities previously developed throughout my work and education history, but particularly in philosophy and physics. A key goal of learning the python programming language is to develop a conceptual understanding of programming to better enable communication with technology professionals and facilitate managing technology projects in the future.

To learn python programming I will utilize free online resources and courses. As a result my experience will also provide me with a better understanding of free online resources and courses and how effective they can be when used together. Today it is possible to learn advanced topics for free online and I hope to demonstrate that online resources can prove as effective as paid academic institutions.

Some useful resources I am using or intend to use include:

• The Python Wiki – A great community place to access, gather and organize all information about the Python programming language. 
• Instant Hacking – A short introduction to the art of programming with examples in the Python programming language. 
• Python Flashcards
• The ‘Python’ forum under ‘Programming, Coding, and Languages’ on Hack Forums.
  

I have begun learning python on Codeacademy where I can complete material at my own pace. So far I have learned some basic python syntax, how to create a tip calculator, strings, how to get a program to display information, and how to use the datetime function.

I hope the course on Codeacademy will work effectively with a free online course I am enrolled in titled ‘An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python’. This course is offered by Rice University and runs from September 15 to November 16, 2014. I found this course on Coursera. Following is the course description:

This course is designed to help students with very little or no computing background learn the basics of building simple interactive applications.  Our language of choice, Python, is an easy-to learn, high-level computer language that is used in many of the computational courses offered on Coursera. To make learning Python easy, we have developed a new browser-based programming environment that makes developing interactive applications in Python simple.  These applications will involve windows whose contents are graphical and respond to buttons, the keyboard and the mouse. 

The primary method for learning the course material will be to work through multiple "mini-projects" in Python.  To make this class enjoyable, these projects will include building fun games such as Pong, Blackjack, and Asteroids.  When you’ve finished our course, we can’t promise that you will be a professional programmer, but we think that you will learn a lot about programming in Python and have fun while you’re doing it.

Once I begin ‘An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python’ on September 15, 2014, I intend to blog about my weekly progress as a method of keeping notes and sharing my learning experience with others.

One of the main reasons I chose python over other programming languages is its syntax, which many resources have stated is extremely easy to learn and closer to natural language than most other programming languages. Another reason is its versatility and ability to be used for many different types of programs. Another reason is there are many free resources and courses available to learn python online. Although my knowledge of python is currently minimal, what I have read has led me to believe that python is a language that will be around for some time to come. Lastly, I chose to learn python, because it seems like a fun language to learn.

Now that you know my plans I want to know what you think. Have you ever taken on online course before? If so, how did you find it? Do you know of any useful python programming resources or courses online? One of the main areas I feel I need to learn more about is what python programming can be used for. I understand it is a general-purpose, object-oriented interpreted programming language, but my knowledge of practical applications is still lacking. One day I hope to use it to perform basic data analysis, create Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and possibly create an app. So my question to you is what do you use python for?