/python-short-course

Get started quickly with modern Python

Primary LanguageJupyter NotebookMIT LicenseMIT

Python Short Course

Get started quickly with modern Python. These materials are optional, and intended to get you up to speed for Python-based courses at Regis University. These notebooks were made for Python3. Python2 behaves slightly differently.

We recommend installing the Anaconda Python distribution with Python3. If you already have Python2 installed on your system, you may want to use a virtual machine with Ubuntu 18 (which has Python3 installed by default): https://websiteforstudents.com/how-to-install-ubuntu-16-04-17-10-18-04-guest-machines-on-virtualbox/.

Recommended timing/order of notebooks for courses in the Regis MSDS Program:

MSC575 Computational statistics

First week:

  • 1-Jupyter_Notebook_and_Python_basics
  • 2-Basic_data_types

Concurrently with course as needed:

  • 3-Dictionaries
  • 4-Calculations
  • 5-Python_function_basics

MSDS682 Text Analytics

First week:

  • 1-Jupyter_Notebook_and_Python_basics
  • 2-Basic_data_types
  • 3-Dictionaries
  • 4-Calculations
  • 5-Python_function_basics

MSDS686 Deep Learning

First week:

  • 1-Jupyter_Notebook_and_Python_basics
  • 2-Basic_data_types
  • 3-Dictionaries
  • 4-Calculations
  • 5-Python_function_basics
  • 6-Object_Oriented_Programming

MSDS688 Artificial Intelligence

First week:

  • 1-Jupyter_Notebook_and_Python_basics
  • 2-Basic_data_types
  • 3-Dictionaries
  • 4-Calculations
  • 5-Python_function_basics
  • 6-Object_Oriented_Programming

Helpful Resources for Students

Python 3

  • Real Python - Accessible and well written tutorials on a wide-variety of relevant Python topics. More coming every day. A highly recommended site.

  • Python Tutor - Visualize your Python code at runtime -- an invaluable tool for learning about and debugging issues with Python data structures. If you are struggling with your code, cut and paste your code into Python Tutor to better understand why it is behaving like it is. Python Tutor is especially valuable in understanding Python data structures.

  • LearnPython.org - An interactive introduction Python 3 tutorial. Like Python Tutor only with explanations and diagrams.

  • Sorcratica Python Programming Tutorials - Excellent introduction to python programming in short well-produced videos with a matrix vibe. A highly recommended site.

  • Let's learn Python 3 in your PJ's - Introductory video tutorial on Python 3 for beginners.

  • Python 3 Tutorial - An intermediate tutorial for Python 3

  • Think Python - An excellent introduction to Python3 for beginners that is freely available online, if you like it, consider buying a physical copy.

  • Dive into Python 3 - Another outstanding free online textbook, only this one is for experienced programmers. Again if you like it consider buying a copy.

  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to Python - A curated list of Python tutorials each with a short description.

Markdown Text

Markdown is an easy-to-read, easy-to-write syntax for formatting plain text.

  1. Mastering Markdown - Learn markdown quickly and easily with this guide from Github.

  2. Markdown Cheatsheet - A concise guide to markdown syntax and its resulting appearance.

Command Line

Coding involves using the command line and learning how is made easy these great tutorials.

  1. Djanjo Girls Command Line Tutorial - An accessible introduction to the command line for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  2. Briana's Bash Tutorial: How to Use the Command Line in Linux, Windows, and Mac - An introductory tutorial video into learning commands commonly used in software development. The first 5 minutes explains most of what you need to know for coding. Text editors and colorizing your terminal are covered too.

Podcasts

  • Talking Machines - A view into cutting edge research in the world of AI and machine learning.

  • Partially Derivative - "Partially Derivative is a podcast about data science in the world around us" including many episodes on AI. Existing episodes are well worth listening to; regrettably, no new ones are coming.

  • Talk Python to Me - Interviews with developers in the Python space about their projects and technology choices behind them.