Python

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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.

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

Thermo-Physical Properties of Materials

Have a look at CoolProp of a Python package of thermo-physical properties of common substances

Symbolic computing

The sympy module is a very capable symbolic module for Python. It plays well with the IPython notebook