This is a hands-on workshop designed to introduce you to the wonderful world of programming and get you acquainted with the popular and easy-to-use programming language Python. We will provide a whirlwind overview of what Python is, why you might want to use it, and how to do so. Then we'll dive into programming basics and discuss:
- Using Python interactively in the terminal
- Creating and running your own Python scripts
- Differences between various Python distributions
- JupyterLab and Google Colab notebooks
- What are variables and how to use them
- Different data types and data structures
- Basic arithmetic and string manipulation
- Working with lists, dictionaries, and tuples
- What are functions and how to write your own
- Using loops and list comprehensions
- Control flow with conditional statements
- The difference between copies and views
- Reading technical documentation
- Installing and importing Python libraries
Absolutely no previous programming experience is assumed. This workshop is most suitable for those who are new to programming and have not worked with Python before. Attendees will get a thorough overview of the Python ecosystem, gain first-hand experience with the most essential programming concepts, and leave with resources enabling them to write their own simple scripts.
Participation is possible in person at the Medford Data Lab (Tisch Library room 203) and online via Zoom.
The workshop does not require the installation of any software. The necessary software will be made available via an online cloud-computing interface and installed on all lab computers. Those interested in installing the software on their personal machine are welcome to follow these instructions: go.tufts.edu/installingPython
Tisch Library, Data Lab, Room 203