Python Koans - An Introduction To Python
Python is a fun, dynamic, flexible language for solving all kinds of problems. It's used everywhere from modest scripts to large systems, powering things like websites, games, film production tools, scientific analysis, and even space programs. Best of all, it's a language that "fits your brain".
This session is a mostly self guided introduction to Python through koans. What’s a koan you ask? It’s a small puzzle or exercise expressed as a test, designed to build your knowledge of the Python syntax and idioms incrementially.
Students will be completing the exercises either with a partner or alone. This allows them to think through the exercise, giving a better foundation on which to build. We’ll be there to explain what is happening and why your solution works as well as strategically intervening with relevant discussion about the koans.
Students are expected to bring a laptop preinstalled with Git and Python (version 2.7 or 3.4).
This is planned as a half day session.
This is based on the introductory Python tutorial from the all-day precompiler that Mike Pirnat and David Stanek presented at CodeMash 2013 and 2014. If the introductory Django precompiler session is accepted, this should ideally be scheduled before it.
About the Presenters
Mike Pirnat has presented successful talks at PyCon 2006, PyCon 2007, PyCon 2011, CodeMash 2012, half-day tutorials at PyCon 2013, PyOhio 2013, and PyCon 2014, and full-day tutorials at CodeMash 2013 and CodeMash 2014, as well as numerous talks at his local user group. He's also a host of and the showrunner for From Python Import Podcast. At work, he's involved in running and presenting developer training sessions, which include everything from two-hour and half-day workshops to full-day and multi-day courses. He founded, organizes, and regularly speaks at American Greetings' monthly lightning talks sessions. He also organizes and emcees American Greetings's annual Hack Day event.
David Stanek has presented talks at PyCon 2006, CodeMash 2007 and 2008, PyOhio 2009, half-day tutorials at PyCon 2013 and PyOhio 2013, and full-day tutorials at CodeMash 2013 and 2014, as well as numerous talks at his local user group. He's also a cofounder and cohost of From Python Import Podcast.
If you are interested in taking a look at the exercies themselve you can see them here: https://github.com/dstanek/python_koans/tree/master/python3/koans
Pre-Compiler
Other (WTF?)
yes
Original:
Python is a dynamic and flexible general purpose programming language. It can be used for many things ranging from small scripts up to large object-oriented systems. It’s a must-have language for your toolbox.
Suggested:
Python is a fun, dynamic, flexible language for solving all kinds of problems. It's used everywhere from modest scripts to large systems, powering things like websites, games, film production tools, scientific analysis, and even space programs. Best of all, it's a language that "fits your brain".