Difference between revisions of "Python"
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=== Installation === | === Installation === | ||
| − | * Windows: The MPR module uses [http://ftp.ee.up.ac.za/pub/windows/ | + | * Windows: The MPR module uses [http://ftp.ee.up.ac.za/pub/windows/python/Python(x,y)-2.7.10.0.exe Python(x,y)]. This is a distribution which supplies a full scientific programming environment. If that local link does not work, look for a Python(x,y) executable installer [http://ftp.ee.up.ac.za/pub/windows/python/ here] or download directly from the [http://python-xy.github.io/ Python(x,y) website]. Note that the [http://continuum.io/downloads Anaconda] distribution is probably a lot better. There is a local mirror of that [http://ftp.ee.up.ac.za/pub/windows/python/ here]. Use Anaconda3. |
* Linux: Install python along with Matplotlib and Numpy/Scipy | * Linux: Install python along with Matplotlib and Numpy/Scipy | ||
* Mac: Use [http://continuum.io/downloads Anaconda]. | * Mac: Use [http://continuum.io/downloads Anaconda]. | ||
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| + | === Python 2 vs Python 3 === | ||
| + | Python 3 came out in 2008. The problem was that it was not backwards compatible with all Python 2 programs. This delayed adoption, especially in the scientific community. There is probably no reason to use Python 2 any more. | ||
=== Scientific computing === | === Scientific computing === | ||
Revision as of 12:13, 11 March 2016
Contents
Python
Python is a popular scripting language. It is on the top 10 of the TIOBE index, and is often used in scientific programming outside of the major commercial platforms like Matlab or Mathematica.
- Check out the Python website for more information
Installation
- Windows: The MPR module uses Python(x,y). This is a distribution which supplies a full scientific programming environment. If that local link does not work, look for a Python(x,y) executable installer here or download directly from the Python(x,y) website. Note that the Anaconda distribution is probably a lot better. There is a local mirror of that here. Use Anaconda3.
- Linux: Install python along with Matplotlib and Numpy/Scipy
- Mac: Use Anaconda.
Python 2 vs Python 3
Python 3 came out in 2008. The problem was that it was not backwards compatible with all Python 2 programs. This delayed adoption, especially in the scientific community. There is probably no reason to use Python 2 any more.
Scientific computing
Numeric calculations are done using the NumPy or SciPy modules. Here is a handy starting point for someone used to Matlab/Octave to get into NumpPy/Scipy.
Plotting is done using the matplotlib library. The website contains documentation as well as a large gallery of examples.
The SciPy website also has a lot of examples in their Cookbook. Topical ones include
Symbolic computing
The sympy module is a very capable symbolic module for Python. It plays well with the IPython notebook
