Python Setup Guide¶

On the Web¶

Here are some links to useful python learning resources:

• Numpy for Matalb Users

  • A chart which compares common Matlab functions with their numpy equivalents.

• Learn Python the Hard Way

  • This is a good, free, online textbook which allows you to work through a series of tutorials.

• Python Style Guide

  • The definitive style guide. May not be completely understandable for new users

  • Co-authored by python’s Benevolent Dictator for Life, Guido van Rossum.

Hard Copy¶

These books are available from the ACD Lab.

• Downey, A., Elkner, J. and Meyers, C., 2009. “Learning With Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist.” SoHo Books: USA.

  • Introductory text.

  • Poor reference book, should be read cover to cover

• Langtangen, H. P., 2008. “Python Scripting for Computational Sciences.” Springer: Berlin

  • Advanced topics.

  • Good reference book.

Python¶

• Version: Python 2.7 NOT Python 3.*.

  • Use the 32 bit version for compatibility.

• Link

• Installation Instructions:

  Install in the default directory <C:\Python27\> You will have to add python to the system path:

  1. Right click on ‘My Computer’

  2. Click on properties

  3. Click on ‘Advanced system settings” on the bottom left of the window

  4. Click on ‘Environment variables’

  5. In the second window, scroll down and select ‘Path’

  6. Click Edit

  7. Keep all the text. Add a semicolon (‘;’) then add the path to the python installation directory (Typically C:Python27)

  8. Click ok

  9. Click ok

  10. Click ok

numpy¶

• Version: 32 bit for python 2.7

• Note Used to make python work like Matlab.

• Link

matplotlib¶

• Version: 32 bit for python 2.7

• Note: Used to plot things.

• Link

wxpython¶

• Version: 32 bit for python 2.7

• Note: Used to make GUI’s. Needed to install Dr. Python.

• Link

Dr. Python¶

• Version: Any (Most recent preferred)

• Note: Preferred python development environment and editor.

• Link

• Installation Instructions:

  1. Extract into $HOME\Downloads\ where $HOME is: C:\Users\\username\

  2. Open windows power shell or command prompt if available

  3. Navigate to $HOME\Downloads\:

     >> python setup.py build
     >> python setup.py install
     

  4. Create a desktop shortcut to: C:\Python27\Lib\site-packages\drpython\drpython.py

  5. The icon for Dr. python is located in: C:\Python27\Lib\site-packages\drpython\bitmaps

gedit¶

• Version: Any (Most recent preferred)

• Note: Easy to install text editor.

  • Unlike Dr. Python, you cannot run python scripts from within gedit

  • Note the warning under the windows section in the following link from Learn Python the Hard Way

• Link

Bonus packages¶

You do not need these packages but they may be necessary for some specific tasks

Testing python from the command prompt¶

1. Open a command prompt or windows power shell.:

   >>python
   

2. in python type:

   >> import numpy as np
   >> import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
   >> a=np.array([1.0,2.0,3.0,4.0])
   >> b=a**2
   >> plt.plot(a,b)
   >> plt.show()
   

3. A plot window with a parabolic curve should appear. If any errors occur along the you made a mistake.

4. Close the plot window.:

   >>exit()
   

7. Close the command prompt.

Testing Dr. Python¶

1. Open Dr. Python

2. Copy the same code as before and then click the “play” button. You will have to save your script to run it.

3. A plot window with a parabolic curve should appear. If any errors occur along the you made a mistake.