Python Resources

There are numerous resources on the web with detailed descriptions of the python programming language, and various packages which have been written to facilitate using it.

Here is a list of some useful sites, with brief descriptions

Getting Started

• Python -- The Python home page
• Python Tutorial -- An easy to search list of all the functions in Python with examples and guidelines for their use.
• NumPy -- Package for scientific computing with Python. It contains array functionality, linear algebra, Fourier transform, and random number capabilities. To find details on a function go to Documentation, then open the NumPy Reference Guide (or the new User Guide) and use the Quick Search bar on the left, or look in the index (top right).
• SciPy -- Open-source Python software for mathematics, science, and engineering. To find details on a function go to Documentation, then open the SciPy Reference Guide and use the Quick Search bar on the left, or look in the index (top right).
• Matplotlib -- Python 2D plotting library. This website is not the most useful for details on a specific function as it gives you exactly the same information as comes up in the object explorer when you type the function in. If you want to find out what the syntax for something is it is best to use Ctrl+F to search this page for the task you want or look in the examples section.
• Spyder -- the Scientific PYthon Development EnviRonment. This is a popular Interactive Development Environment (IDE), alternative to Jupyter Notebook

Basic mathematical functions

• Python as a calculator -- examples of performing basic calculations with python
• Numpy Math Routines -- the mathematical functions available in NumPy

Vectors and Arrays

• Array Creation -- routines for creating NumPy arrays
• Array Sorting and Searching -- methods of sorting arrays, searching and counting them.
• Linear Algebra -- including dot and cross products, matrix manipulations
• Array Manipulation -- more advanced array manipulation tools