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Re: Computer Skills




OK .. well I normally just *read* this list ;-) but I couldn't let
this one pass. I've been using Python for years and all my students
learn it.... one way or another. ;-) I think the most useful code I've
written has turned out to be the little bit that allows students to
monkey with Python programs live via the Internet.

If you think that sounds like an interesting idea.. take a look at:

http://estel.uindy.edu/PESSci/phys280

and

http://estel.uindy.edu/PESSci/phys155

have fun,
-steve


"Tim" == Tim Wilson <wilson@chemsun.chem.umn.edu> writes:

Tim> On Thu, 17 Sep 1998, Steven T. Ratliff wrote:

>> The choice of a computer language is a difficult one. I would
>> argue for Fortran 90 (and Fortran 95 as compilers are
>> available). However, once you know one language, it is
>> relatively easy to learn others.

Tim> I'd like to chime in here with another suggestion for a
Tim> computer programming language that would be useful to
Tim> know. I'm currently trying to learn Python. It's a very
Tim> high-level scripting language that it pretty easy to
Tim> learn. It's object-oriented and extensible. Many people
Tim> classify it as a "glue" language--something that can be used
Tim> to glue together programs written in C, Fortran, or other
Tim> compiled languages.

Tim> Maybe the most impressive thing about Python is that is quite
Tim> compatible across different platforms. You can get Python for
Tim> Unix, Win95, Mac, and I think there are others too. There are
Tim> extensions for creating GUIs, doing numerical analysis, and
Tim> lots of other projects. You can also use it to interface with
Tim> lab equipment.

Tim> Check out http://www.python.org for more details. I'm hoping
Tim> to develop a web-based electronic gradebook program using
Tim> Python to interface with a SQL database on a central server.

Tim> -Tim

Tim> -- Timothy D. Wilson "A little song, a little dance,
Tim> University of MN, chem. dept. a little seltzer down your
Tim> wilson@chem.umn.edu pants." -Chuckles the Clown Phone: (612)
Tim> 625-9828 as eulogized by Ted Baxter