Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. Its high-level built in data structures, combined with dynamic typing and dynamic binding, make it very attractive for Rapid Application Development, as well as for use as a scripting or glue language to connect existing components together. Python's simple, easy to learn syntax emphasizes readability and therefore reduces the cost of program maintenance. Python supports modules and packages, which encourages program modularity and code reuse. The Python interpreter and the extensive standard library are available in source or binary form without charge for all major platforms, and can be freely distributed.
| interpreted | no need for a compiling stage |
| object-oriented | programming paradigm that uses objects (complex data structures with methods) |
| high level | abstraction from the way machine interprets & executes |
| dynamic semantics | can change meaning on-the-fly |
| built in | core language (not external) |
| data structures | ways of storing/manipulating data |
| script/glue | programs that control other programs |
| typing | the sort of variable (int, string) |
| syntax | grammar which defines the language |
| library | reusable collection of code |
| binary | a file that you can run/execute |
(I was forced into using python...)
Science Validation and Testing
A comprehensive data analysis framework for Astronomy
https://wiki.python.org/moin/OrganizationsUsingPython
In [1]:
from matplotlib import pyplot as plt
import numpy as np
%matplotlib inline
In [2]:
plt.xkcd()
plt.figure(figsize=(16,8))
x = np.arange(10)
plt.plot(x,x+0.5*x*x)
plt.xlabel('Years Since Release')
plt.ylabel('Interest in Python')
plt.show()
In [3]:
import antigravity