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Python

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  • 10-10-2014 2:41pm
    #1
    Gandalph
    Registered Users Posts: 1,792 ✭✭✭


    Hey guys.
    I'm completely new to programming but I am looking to learn a language. I'm just finished a MSc in Finance and am looking to add some basic programming to my qualifications.
    I've spent my day looking through various sites on which programme to use and while I keep hearing different advantages and disadvantages of each, I've decided to settle on learning Python.
    So here comes my question. While thralling through all the beginners manuals/sites, I found a couple that teach on how to makes games through the use of python. Am I naive in thinking that this would be a more fun way of learning the basics of the language, or would this not benefit me in any way of applying it to the finance industry?


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    #2
    cython
    Registered Users Posts: 4,757 ✭✭✭cython


    Personally I would say to steer clear of the games stuff for the time being, as a lot of the time (not sure about Python specifically) they can use very domain-specific frameworks that would never see the light of day in finance (for example). I would say go though some basic tutorials, and then try to define a simple problem that you would like a program for (doesn't matter if a solution exists even), and then try to write something that fills that gap. For me coming up with appropriately scoped practice problems for myself is as difficult as solving them sometimes.


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    #3
    solomafioso
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,095 ✭✭✭solomafioso


    http://www.codecademy.com/en/tracks/python

    Codecademy is free to sign up and goes through the ins and outs of learning python if you wanted to check that out?


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    #4
    Gandalph
    Registered Users Posts: 1,792 ✭✭✭Gandalph


    cython wrote: »
    Personally I would say to steer clear of the games stuff for the time being, as a lot of the time (not sure about Python specifically) they can use very domain-specific frameworks that would never see the light of day in finance (for example). I would say go though some basic tutorials, and then try to define a simple problem that you would like a program for (doesn't matter if a solution exists even), and then try to write something that fills that gap. For me coming up with appropriately scoped practice problems for myself is as difficult as solving them sometimes.

    Ah I knew it sounded too good to be true, but I am still looking forward to learning it all the same. Cheers for the info!
    solomafioso wrote: »
    http://www.codecademy.com/en/tracks/python

    Codecademy is free to sign up and goes through the ins and outs of learning python if you wanted to check that out?

    I only spent about 5 min on this as I am at work but I'll have a more thorough look at it later, it looks great so far though so thank you for that.


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    #5
    solomafioso
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,095 ✭✭✭solomafioso


    Gandalph wrote: »
    I only spent about 5 min on this as I am at work but I'll have a more thorough look at it later, it looks great so far though so thank you for that.

    Yeah, it's a great resource as it teaches you the basics of coding (that is, how to "think" like a programmer, if that makes sense).

    Also, Silicon Republic posted this handy chart recently.

    http://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/item/38536-learn-the-language-what/


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    #6
    djpbarry
    Registered Users Posts: 13,104 ✭✭✭✭djpbarry


    I'd suggest you look at languages like C and Fortran. Much more suited to number-crunching and therefore still widely used in fields such as science and finance.


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    #7
    Tar.Aldarion
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,082 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tar.Aldarion


    http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/


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    #8
    RedXIV
    Registered Users Posts: 8,406 ✭✭✭RedXIV


    When you are getting started, you'll probably find most languages similar enough, they mostly share the same basic concepts, variables, loops, conditional statements.
    It's not until you have a specific task in mind that languages begin to show their advantages over each other.

    If making a game is something that would appeal to you then it might be the way to go. But you will put in a lot more effort for a result. I was teaching my dad c# and he wanted to build an application that would automatically generate IBAN numbers based on account info and we bullet through it in a day. I'd expect a game to take weeks before you got something working fully

    Just my 2c :)


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    #9
    counterpointaud
    Registered Users Posts: 403 ✭✭counterpointaud


    If you are looking at development as our main career, and want to use your masters in finance to forward that, then your best bet is to learn Java/other JVM languages or . Net IMO. A search for contract development positions related to financial houses still gives a lot more results for these.


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    #10
    Ponster
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,911 Mod ✭✭✭✭Ponster


    Tar.Aldarion wrote: »
    http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/

    Seconded !

    Coursera started a Python course last week for people who have zero programming experience and want to learn Python to write useful programs to help you out on a day to day basis.

    https://class.coursera.org/pythonlearn-003


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    #11
    L.Jenkins
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 19,240 Mod ✭✭✭✭L.Jenkins


    If you want to Google a few notes and cut straight to getting your hands on a few PDF files to read up on, go to Google the type in filetype:pdf <file> where <file> could be Python Notes or Python Tutorials. I find that having a hard copy to reference is handier in some cases where I'm starting out with a new language, then I can reference any other aspects of the language online.


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    #12
    Kinet1c
    Closed Accounts Posts: 824 ✭✭✭Kinet1c


    ....and another course for you: https://developers.google.com/edu/python/


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    #13
    Jim2007
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 9,988 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jim2007


    djpbarry wrote: »
    I'd suggest you look at languages like C and Fortran. Much more suited to number-crunching and therefore still widely used in fields such as science and finance.

    On the contrary the OP has made a good choice, Python is a very widely used language among financial types such as the OP. There are many many libs available targeted at this market.


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    #14
    Gandalph
    Registered Users Posts: 1,792 ✭✭✭Gandalph


    Cheers for all the advice guys, I've been working on some of those starter sites you have referred and they are great. So far I am not having much problems as it seems similar to what I learned in 'R' in my Msc. I've picked myself up a copy of "Python for Dummies" as I seen it sitting there on a shelf in my local bookstore, I'm not sure how effective it will be as I know those 'For Dummies' books can be very hit and miss depending on the author, but like someone mentioned before, I really like to have a hardcopy in front of me while I learn.


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    #15
    Highcontrast1
    Registered Users Posts: 185 ✭✭Highcontrast1


    http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/introduction-to-programming-with-python


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    #16
    el pibe
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭el pibe


    Noone mentioned this yet?

    [search for python challenge, I'm afraid I'm too new to post links]

    Great for lateral thinking but will teach you core python concepts along the way and ways to thin pythonically.

    I'd say it's a great language to kick off with, it also has a very strong and helpful user community which you should make use of, help prevent bad habits forming ;)

    [like wise it's the community bit of the main python org site.]


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    #17
    onesoma
    Registered Users Posts: 76 ✭✭onesoma


    I've been learning python recently and love it, it's very 'intuitive' and the interactive shell makes it a lot more imediate.

    www. checkio. org is a great resource for learning python (also a 'new' user...)


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    #18
    threein99
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,596 ✭✭✭threein99


    Sorry for hijacking this thread, but does anyone know what library to use gps with python3 ?


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    #19
    el pibe
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭el pibe


    i just remembered the python cookbook, invaluable when i was getting started with it.

    Though it assumes knowledge of basic programming concepts, its great for tips tricks and recipes you'll use time and again in a pythonic fashion.

    the whole thing for free below

    dl.e-book-free.com/2013/07/python_cookbook_3rd_edition.pdf

    you'll have to add the http:// in yourself I'm afraid ;)


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    #20
    lyndz123
    Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭lyndz123


    hey i need help with code i need to put in collision detection for bouncing balls if anyone knows how id appresiate it if wud help, it wont let me post my code here :(


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    #21
    Manach
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,664 Mod ✭✭✭✭Manach


    It has been a little while since I used python, but the O'Reilly publishers have a good series of books on the language. From the basic introduction text which will provide the groundwork, to the Cookbook which gives what Python can accomplish in the normal tasks to the more specialised functionality of Python via its modules.


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    #22
    ozmo
    Registered Users Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭ozmo


    I started coding by writing games - it makes it much more interesting to learn a new language.

    To make something that people will choose to sit down and use for fun is challenging and rewarding.
    - you have to think about usability, stability and responsive speed requirements - so you tend to pickup strategies that will make the code run well. The code quickly gets complex for games so you quickly learn the value of well structured and commented code.

    I'm not crazy about Python, and the dev tools arent great, but there is a python interface for Minecraft on the RPi (pi.minecraft.net) should you be interested.

    “Roll it back”



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    #23
    Sytax Error
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭Sytax Error


    Gandalph wrote: »
    Hey guys.
    I'm completely new to programming but I am looking to learn a language. I'm just finished a MSc in Finance and am looking to add some basic programming to my qualifications.
    I've spent my day looking through various sites on which programme to use and while I keep hearing different advantages and disadvantages of each, I've decided to settle on learning Python.
    So here comes my question. While thralling through all the beginners manuals/sites, I found a couple that teach on how to makes games through the use of python. Am I naive in thinking that this would be a more fun way of learning the basics of the language, or would this not benefit me in any way of applying it to the finance industry?

    I am at the exact same place...how did this project go?


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    #24
    threein99
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,596 ✭✭✭threein99


    el pibe wrote: »
    Noone mentioned this yet?

    [search for python challenge, I'm afraid I'm too new to post links]

    Great for lateral thinking but will teach you core python concepts along the way and ways to thin pythonically.

    I'd say it's a great language to kick off with, it also has a very strong and helpful user community which you should make use of, help prevent bad habits forming ;)

    [like wise it's the community bit of the main python org site.]

    Just started that Python challenge, its going to take over my life now :D


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    #25
    Sephiroth_dude
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 79,999 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sephiroth_dude


    I got "learn python the hard way" by zed shaw, hope it will help me on my journey :).


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    #26
    Gandalph
    Registered Users Posts: 1,792 ✭✭✭Gandalph


    Sytax Error wrote: »
    I am at the exact same place...how did this project go?

    I did bash away at it for awhile creating some random bits and pieces.

    I worked in the trading industry for a bit where I could use programming as a show off tool to land a job but never really factored it in to my work, probably more geared towards becoming an algo but I don't know really.

    I'm working in private equity now, where there is not a huge quantum of numbers, so the only thing I touch on is VBA for modelling. I felt it was easy to pick up/read due to my exposure to python/R earlier on in my career.

    So I suppose my exposure to the language did benefit me to some extent, earlier on in my career, and I have all the nice folk here to thank for that :)


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