Intro to Python I

It's time to learn a new language! Python!

Python is a popular, easy-to-use programming language that has significant traction in the field.

Remember the goal is learning to learn, so keep track of what works for you and what doesn't as you go through the process of exploring Python.

Techniques for learning new languages

Try to relate things you already know in another language (e.g. what an array is) to the corresponding things in Python (e.g. a list) and how to use them.
Write a bunch of "toy programs" that demonstrate different key features of the language
Explore the standard library that's available for the language. Skim it briefly for now--the idea isn't to memorize everything but to file away generally what functionality is available.
Write a more substantial toy program that uses a variety of the features.

Again, keep track of what works for you. Try different things to see what works best for learning new languages.

Resources

Getting started

Make sure you have Python 3 and pipenv installed.
Go to the directory with the Pipfile and run
```
pipenv install
```
After the install completes, run
```
pipenv shell
```
This will get you into the virtual environment. At this point, you should be able to run Python 3 by just running python:
```
$ python --version
Python 3.6.5
```
You can exit the virtual environment by typing exit.

Goals

Learn the basic syntax and structure of Python

Summary

Implement a number of tiny Python programs that demonstrate Python syntax and language concepts.

Instructions

Each directory inside the src/ directory presents exercises revolving around a particular concept in Python. Not all of these concepts are unique to Python (in fact, most probably aren't). This means that you can leverage knowledge you've obtained via exposure to other programming languages towards learning Python.

The suggested order for going through each of the directories is:

hello -- Hello world
bignum -- Print some big numbers
datatypes -- Experiment with type conversion
modules -- Learn to import from modules
printing -- Formatted print output
lists -- Python's version of arrays
tuples -- Immutable lists typically for heterogenous data
slices -- Accessing parts of lists
comprehensions -- List comprehensions
dictionaries -- Dictionaries
functions -- Functions
args -- Arguments and Keyword Arguments
scopes -- Global, Local, and Non-Local scope
file_io -- Read and write from files
cal -- Experiment with module imports and implement a text-based calendar
classes -- Classes and objects

Stretch Goals

One of Python's main philosophical tenets is its emphasis on readability. To that end, the Python community has standardized around a style guide called PEP 8. Take a look at it and then go over the code you've written and make sure it adheres to what PEP 8 recommends. Alternatively, PEP 8 linters exist for most code editors (you can find instructions on installing a Python linter for VSCode here). Try installing one for your editor!
Rewrite code challenges you've solved before or projects you've implemented before in a different language in Python. Start getting in as much practice with the language as possible!
Write a program to determine if a number, given on the command line, is prime.
1. How can you optimize this program?
2. Implement The Sieve of Eratosthenes, one of the oldest algorithms known (ca. 200 BC).

astillo/CSD1