basic_python/intro.rst
author Madhusudan.C.S <madhusudancs@gmail.com>
Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:40:52 +0530
changeset 3 f095fc984608
parent 1 Basic Python/Basic Python Handout.rst@dccb80025455
child 31 01ea4544ad81
permissions -rw-r--r--
Renaming the directory and file not to include spaces. Hopefully we follow this convension henceforth of not having spaces in file names or directory names and have all lower case letters in the names.

=====================
Basic Python Workshop
=====================

This document is intended to be handed out at the end of the workshop. It has
been designed for Engineering students who are Python beginners and have basic
programming skills. The focus is on basic numerics and plotting using Python.

The system requirements:
  * Python - version 2.5.x or newer.
  * IPython 
  * Text editor - scite, vim, emacs or whatever you are comfortable with.




Introduction
============

  The Python programming language was created by a dutch named Guido van Rossum.
  The idea of Python was conceived in December 1989. The name Python has nothing
  to do with the reptilian, but its been named after the 70s comedy series 
  "Monty Python's Flying Circus", since it happens to be Guido's favourite 
  TV series. 
  
  Current stable version of Python is 2.6.x, although Python 3.0 is also the stable
  version, it is not backwards compatible with the previous versions and is hence
  not entirely popular at the moment. This material contains material pertaining 
  to the 2.6.x series.
  
The Python Interpreter
======================