PTP 1. Programming Stream / B. Python (beginner)
PTP Outcomes:
Familiarise myself with Python language and ecosystem
Be able to do simple coding exercises
Gain an insight into Python’s use in data science, data manipulation and visualisation
Familiarise myself with relevant data analysis packages/libraries
Initial thoughts
As mentioned in my Introduction to Data Science post, I’ve researched and set myself a Personalised Training Plan based on the knowledge/skills I’ll need to learn and develop if I’m to pivot my career away from finance/accountancy and towards data/analytics. As first steps in the Programming and Data Science streams, I’ve signed up for two specialisations at Coursera.org (links here and here).
My last soiree into the world of code (other than simple/intermediate WordPress web development) was in school (Basic) and undergrad. maths (C+). So effectively I’m starting from scratch here. But I’d rate myself above average capability for all things computing (based on my experience at work: finance systems administrator & lead trainer, project manager for various systems upgrades). So, while I know this is going to be an intellectual – and technical – challenge, it’s one I’m really looking forward to.
Getting going:
Notepad++ for Windows (v6.9) was recommended as the preferred text editor to use for programming use.
We’ll be using latest version of Python 2.7 for the course, downloadable from the python.org website. I’ll be running this on a Windows 8.1 environment.
Course take-aways:
Charles Severance in Python for Everybody reminds us that programmers are there to “anticipate needs” and that we should move from a user mind-set to a programmer mind-set. That is, we we understand how to communicate with the computer and learn how to use tools to build more tools.
Having started to play around a bit, following the videos and tips, I realise I actually feel very comfortable learning this stuff. That’s a positive feeling. There will always be a huge amount to learn, and the techie language is very intimidating – so is the multitude of small differences visible when running the programme on different operating systems, or using different text editors, IDE’s and so on. But the great thing about this course is that it’ll do a stripped-down version of things to help build confidence.
This gets my thumbs up.