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== PSAs and Events ==
=== Welcome to the Noisebridge PyClass! ===


''' PSA 8-16-14: ''' The new curriculum for the Noisebridge PyClass is a crash course in the Python standard library, also touching on modules that are popular but not quite part of the standard modules.  Scroll down to see the course list.
PyClass is an introductory Python course run by the Noisebridge community. It helps students solve common programming problems while learning about the language.  Classes are held Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the 'Church' Classroom, and are mostly organized through [https://meetup.com/noisebridge Meetup]. If you have not been to Noisebridge before, please try to arrive 15 minutes early so that you can be introduced to the space.


== Scheduled Weekly Meeting Times ==
=== Course Material ===
* Tuesday 7:00 - 9:00 PM PST - 'Turing' Classroom
The course contains six lessons and assorted guest lectures.  Each of the core classes covers a programming tool, from JSON in the first class to deploying a flask webapp in the last.  Each class also demonstrates a feature that makes Python special, and when taken together they are a good baseline for effective programming in the language. The current list of classes is:
* Wednesday 7:00 - 9:00 PM PST - 'Church' Classroom


== Mailing List ==
* Storing and transmitting information with JSON
Sign up for this to hear updates and conversations regarding the course!
* [https://github.com/jgarst/PythonClass/tree/master/course/strings Working with text data]
* [http://groups.google.com/group/pyclass Pyclass-Discussion]
* Relational databases and SQL
* Performance and Big O notation
* Objects and Classes
* Web applications with Flask


== Class Description, Goals, and Ideal Student ==
The material for these is available on [https://github.com/jgarst/PythonClass/tree/master/course github].  The classes tend to move fast, but can be repeated and have references to related material in the notes.


The pace of the courses will be fast, and the materials will be available online 24/7 and we plan to frequently repeat modules that are in high demand with new twists as we iterate over the course materials.
The first three classes (JSON, text data, SQL) are suitable for anyone, but will be more difficult if you are not comfortable using python as a calculator.


A primary goal of the course is to break down the materials into independent units. In other words, if you miss a week then you won't fall behind. Sounds good, right?
    # importing libraries
    import time
   
    # printing and calling functions
    print(time.ctime())
   
    # variables and math
    calculation = (1 * 2 * 3) / 2 
   
    # strings
    print('I've done some math!', calculation)


To best experience the course, spend a short time studying the course materials before you come in. If you wish to know this week's courses, please send an email out to PyClass@googlegroups.com
* If you are comfortable this program, you will be comfortable with the class. <br \>
* If can understand understand what the program is doing, the class is a good fit for you, but might seem fast.
* If you do not have Python installed on your machine, you are invited to the class, but encouraged to arrange a time with the organizer to get started first.


The ideal student for this course can understand the following code (it's fine to use Google to look up the built in functions, and we use tons of web resources throughout the course materials):
The last three classes assume familiarity with loops, functions and collections.  If you are comfortable with the following program you will be comfortable with the class.


<source lang="python">
    frequency_dict = {}
 
    word = "noisebridge"
word_frequency_dict = {}
word = "noisebridge"
 
for letter in word:
    times = word_frequency_dict.get(letter, 0)
    times += 1
    word_frequency_dict.update( {letter : times} )
      
      
</source>
    for letter in word:
 
        times = frequency_dict.get(letter, 0)
== Course List ==
        times += 1
 
        frequency_dict[letter] = times
The order of the following courses has not yet been determined. 
 
Please [http://groups.google.com/group/pyclass ask on the mailing list] if you want to know what courses are coming this week!
 
# JSON format, Python Types, and the JSON Module
# Control Flow, itertools, and Functional Programming
# Built-in Functions
# Built-in Types and String Services
# Numeric and Mathematical Modules, and Operators
# argparse, ConfigParser, and more - configuring your applications
# pip, virtualenv, packaging, versions, and inspect.
# Logging your applications: logging, logging.config, logging.handlers
# Exceptions and Debugging: Exception behavior, custom exceptions, pdb, cProfile, timeit, time, trace.
# os, sys, and io (Caution, here be Python 3, inside the io module)
# (potential for a unittest course)


== Legacy Materials (Liz & Kellan's Class) ==
=== Python Setup ===
We use Python 3, and encourage students to do the same.  The best way to install Python depends on your operating system, but there are good [https://realpython.com/installing-python/ online tutorials] for most cases.  The class uses Jupyter notebooks for slides and example code, but encourages students to run python from text files on their computers.  If you do not have a preferred way of editing programs, Python comes with a simple code editor called IDLE.


''' The following material is old material from Kellan and Liz's long-running PyClass: '''
Python can be difficult to install. If you don't yet have a programming environment, you are encouraged to message the organizer and get help with setup.


If you want to attend class, but don't have Python installed, you can try it out with [http://repl.it/languages/Python3 repl.it].  This will allow you to follow along every class except the last one, which covers python projects and Flask.  We still recommend installing Python on your computer as soon as possible.


'''Come learn [http://www.python.org/ Python]'''!!<br>
=== Helping out and getting additional help ===
See our awesome website for both PyClasses at [http://pycourse.com/ Noisebridge Learning Python]
PyClass runs on volunteer effort, and we would love to have your help keeping it it excellent!  The simplest and most appreciated contributions are simple examples of the projects you want to work on, the bugs you encounter, and the concepts you find difficult. Especially if they are succinct or easy to turn into problems that others can learn from.


We are always looking for more people to teach classes.  This is a great way to solidify your understanding, find new and exciting edge cases, and help others.  We welcome people teaching existing classes, or their own classes on the subjects they are most excited about.  Remember, the only thing that qualifies people to run PyClass is having enough enthusiasm to show up.


After 9pm Tuesdays, we'll have open hacking time and time for questions for those that are kicking so much ass they just can't go home yet, or even for those that may have gone to Mondays' Front-end Web Development class and want to come back for more. If you have problems from work or home, feel free to bring them after 9 and everyone can help each other.
If you need help getting started, getting unstuck, or getting someone to look at your code we are happy to help!  There are usually office hours during the week, announced in the class, and designed to solve these problems. Feel free to reach out over meetup to learn more.


=== Code of Conduct ===
PyClass holds to the Noisebridge [https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Community_Standards Community Standards], which we take seriously.


''' Semi-Official Intro to Python Class Texts '''
We also follow the Recurse Center [https://www.recurse.com/social-rules social rules], because they are excellent at creating an environment where people are comfortable learning.
* [http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/ Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist]
* [http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ Learn Python The Hard Way] - A good introductory text with lots of exercises written by prolific programmer [http://zedshaw.com/ Zed Shaw]
* [http://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0008/ PEP 8 -- The '''highly''' recommended Style Guide for Python Code]


''' Other Intro to Python Texts '''
=== Python Resources ===
* [http://www.swaroopch.com/notes/python A Byte of Python]
* [http://www.learnpython.org/ Learn Python - Free Interactive Python Tutorial]
* [http://www.openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english2e/ How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python 2nd Edition]
* [https://docs.python.org/2/tutorial/ The Python Tutorial] - written by Guido van Rossum, creator of the Python programming language
** [https://docs.python.org/2/download.html Python 2.x.x Documentation download] - Contains Python Tutorial & other docs in various readable formats


''' PyClass Githubs '''
For learning programming, we recommend that you consult multiple resources with a variety of formats and priorities.  Some of our favorite resources are <br />
* [https://github.com/PythonNinjas PyClass Organization]
-[http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ Learn Python the Hard Way] - A clear introduction to python intended for people new to programming.  Written well enough to be useful for more advanced programmers as well.  Available in the Noisebridge library. <br />
* [https://github.com/PythonNinjas/InventWithPython  Invent with Python Textbook Code] <404 Error>
-[https://docs.python.org/3 Python Documentation] - The Python documentation is a well written and comprehensive reference.  It isn't a page turner, but should be one of your first stops when confused. <br />  
* https://github.com/noisebridge/Intro-Python   / Kellan Jacobs Notes
-[http://pymotw.com/3/ Python Module of the Week] - Python comes with batteries included, but it can still be hard find the best tool among the hundreds of modules it provides.  Python Module of the Week walks you through each of the standard library modules provided by the language.  <br />
* https://github.com/noisebridge/web2py-noiselist
- [https://pyvideo.org/ pyvideo] - A searchable index of Python conference talks.  Drop by class for some specific recommendations! <br />
* https://github.com/noisebridge/flask-noiselist  / E Leddy
- [http://pythontutor.com/ python tutor] - pythontutor.com allows you to walk through small pieces of code and understand how Python thinks of them.  An excellent resource for debugging mysterious Python behavior.
* https://github.com/tachang/django_noiselist


''' [Old] Class Slides '''
There are more good resources for learning Python than we can list here.  Do you have a favorite that you think is missing? Let us know!
* [http://egonschiele.github.com/pyclass Slides on Github]


''' Other Helpful PyClass links '''
=== Free to all - please donate to Noisebridge! ===
* [https://www.python.org/ Main Python.org site]
* [http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596100469/ Python in a Nutshell] - an older but handy reference
* [http://www.pygame.org Pygame]
* [http://inventwithpython.com Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python] - written by Noisebridger [[User:AlSweigart|Al Sweigart]], free to download [http://inventwithpython.com/IYOCGwP_book1.pdf here] or [https://dl.dropbox.com/u/11076239/IYOCGwP_book1.pdf here]


[[Category:Python]]
This course only happens because the Noisebridge community provides a space for it to exist.  Maintaining the space and broader community is difficult and thankless work.  The course is free, but if you want to help the community pay rent go to: https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Donate_or_Pay_Dues.  <br />
[[Category:Pages with a Noisebridge Tiny URL]]
Recommended Donations: $15, $50, $200+ Recommended monthly donations: $10, $20, $40, $80+ / month

Revision as of 16:14, 9 March 2019

Welcome to the Noisebridge PyClass!

PyClass is an introductory Python course run by the Noisebridge community. It helps students solve common programming problems while learning about the language. Classes are held Mondays 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the 'Church' Classroom, and are mostly organized through Meetup. If you have not been to Noisebridge before, please try to arrive 15 minutes early so that you can be introduced to the space.

Course Material

The course contains six lessons and assorted guest lectures. Each of the core classes covers a programming tool, from JSON in the first class to deploying a flask webapp in the last. Each class also demonstrates a feature that makes Python special, and when taken together they are a good baseline for effective programming in the language. The current list of classes is:

  • Storing and transmitting information with JSON
  • Working with text data
  • Relational databases and SQL
  • Performance and Big O notation
  • Objects and Classes
  • Web applications with Flask

The material for these is available on github. The classes tend to move fast, but can be repeated and have references to related material in the notes.

The first three classes (JSON, text data, SQL) are suitable for anyone, but will be more difficult if you are not comfortable using python as a calculator.

   # importing libraries
   import time
   
   # printing and calling functions
   print(time.ctime())
   
   # variables and math
   calculation = (1 * 2 * 3) / 2  
   
   # strings
   print('I've done some math!', calculation)
  • If you are comfortable this program, you will be comfortable with the class.
  • If can understand understand what the program is doing, the class is a good fit for you, but might seem fast.
  • If you do not have Python installed on your machine, you are invited to the class, but encouraged to arrange a time with the organizer to get started first.

The last three classes assume familiarity with loops, functions and collections. If you are comfortable with the following program you will be comfortable with the class.

   frequency_dict = {}
   word = "noisebridge"
   
   for letter in word:
       times = frequency_dict.get(letter, 0)
       times += 1
       frequency_dict[letter] = times

Python Setup

We use Python 3, and encourage students to do the same. The best way to install Python depends on your operating system, but there are good online tutorials for most cases. The class uses Jupyter notebooks for slides and example code, but encourages students to run python from text files on their computers. If you do not have a preferred way of editing programs, Python comes with a simple code editor called IDLE.

Python can be difficult to install. If you don't yet have a programming environment, you are encouraged to message the organizer and get help with setup.

If you want to attend class, but don't have Python installed, you can try it out with repl.it. This will allow you to follow along every class except the last one, which covers python projects and Flask. We still recommend installing Python on your computer as soon as possible.

Helping out and getting additional help

PyClass runs on volunteer effort, and we would love to have your help keeping it it excellent! The simplest and most appreciated contributions are simple examples of the projects you want to work on, the bugs you encounter, and the concepts you find difficult. Especially if they are succinct or easy to turn into problems that others can learn from.

We are always looking for more people to teach classes. This is a great way to solidify your understanding, find new and exciting edge cases, and help others. We welcome people teaching existing classes, or their own classes on the subjects they are most excited about. Remember, the only thing that qualifies people to run PyClass is having enough enthusiasm to show up.

If you need help getting started, getting unstuck, or getting someone to look at your code we are happy to help! There are usually office hours during the week, announced in the class, and designed to solve these problems. Feel free to reach out over meetup to learn more.

Code of Conduct

PyClass holds to the Noisebridge Community Standards, which we take seriously.

We also follow the Recurse Center social rules, because they are excellent at creating an environment where people are comfortable learning.

Python Resources

For learning programming, we recommend that you consult multiple resources with a variety of formats and priorities. Some of our favorite resources are
-Learn Python the Hard Way - A clear introduction to python intended for people new to programming. Written well enough to be useful for more advanced programmers as well. Available in the Noisebridge library.
-Python Documentation - The Python documentation is a well written and comprehensive reference. It isn't a page turner, but should be one of your first stops when confused.
-Python Module of the Week - Python comes with batteries included, but it can still be hard find the best tool among the hundreds of modules it provides. Python Module of the Week walks you through each of the standard library modules provided by the language.
- pyvideo - A searchable index of Python conference talks. Drop by class for some specific recommendations!
- python tutor - pythontutor.com allows you to walk through small pieces of code and understand how Python thinks of them. An excellent resource for debugging mysterious Python behavior.

There are more good resources for learning Python than we can list here. Do you have a favorite that you think is missing? Let us know!

Free to all - please donate to Noisebridge!

This course only happens because the Noisebridge community provides a space for it to exist. Maintaining the space and broader community is difficult and thankless work. The course is free, but if you want to help the community pay rent go to: https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Donate_or_Pay_Dues.
Recommended Donations: $15, $50, $200+ Recommended monthly donations: $10, $20, $40, $80+ / month